For years, the PLDT High Speed Hitters have chased the elusive PVL podium finish. This Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, the wait ends. Not only are they in their first-ever PVL finals, but they’re also gunning for the crown against the battle-tested Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed squad is surging at full throttle. Undefeated in the short off-season conference, they sealed their finals berth with a pulse-pounding five-set victory over Creamline, sending a clear message: this is no longer the PLDT of almosts. This is a team built for championships.
Coach Rald Ricafort couldn’t hide his pride in what the group has become. “Patience was key,” he shared. “We stuck with the players we had, gave chances to the younger ones, and worked on developing everyone. Now we’re healthy, complete, and playing with maturity. That’s been the difference.”
The difference is obvious. Opposite spiker Kim Kianna Dy has stormed back after 559 days sidelined with a knee injury, regaining her lethal scoring touch. Alongside her, the powerhouse trio of Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, and Majoy Baron—the celebrated La Salle alumnae—are once again proving why they’re some of the most decorated athletes in Philippine volleyball. Add the rise of Kiesha Bedonia, the clutch return of Jovy Prado, and the leadership of libero captain Kath Arado, and you have a team firing on all cylinders.
Numbers back it up, too. PLDT leads the league in blocking with Baron, Reyes, Bedonia, and Dy all ranking in the top 10. Arado is on pace to clinch another Best Receiver and Best Digger title. Bedonia, meanwhile, is second-best in serving and delivering clutch hits when it matters most.
Ricafort credits the mix of youthful fire and veteran wisdom. “The young guns push the level in training, while the veterans set the tone. Everyone has bought into the system. They’re motivated, competitive, and they make my job easier,” he said.
That cohesion didn’t come overnight. Last season, the High Speed Hitters fell short—bowing out to Akari in the semis of the Reinforced Conference, then finishing fifth in the All-Filipino despite a strong prelim run. But those heartbreaks forged their identity. What emerged was more than just a roster—it was a team bound by Pusong PLDT: a gritty mix of heart, chemistry, and relentless belief.
Now, with momentum on their side and history on the line, the High Speed Hitters are ready to leave everything on the court.
“Every conference, we come in aiming to win,” Ricafort said. “This time, we’re here, and we’re ready.”
PLDT’s historic first finals clash happens this Sunday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Fans can follow the team’s championship quest on PLDT High Speed Hitters’ official pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.