PLDT rookie Kiesha Bedonia came through in the clutch, helping the PLDT High Speed Hitters overcome the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
When PLDT figured in a five-set affair with Choco Mucho on Tuesday night, the High Speed Hitters found an unlikely hero in Kiesha Bedonia.
Engaged in a pressure-packed 12-all deadlock in the decider, the rookie out of FEU showed nerves of steel, delivering two clutch hits that helped her side escape the Sisi Rondina-led Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“Sobrang saya ko po and siyempre nakatulong din ako sa teammates ko. Sobrang gutom na gutom po kami manalo talaga,” said Bedonia.
PLDT started off strong and seized a two-sets-to-none lead. However, Rondina and Kat Tolentino pumped life into Choco Mucho, towing their side to a third-set win before mounting a sizable lead in the fourth, where Bedonia first checked in.
Bedonia then saw action throughout the decisive fifth set, where she poured all but one of her four points. She even traded blows with Rondina down the stretch, displaying grit and composure.
“Di ko lang po iniisip yung sa loob ng court. Gusto ko lang talaga maglaro and maka-contribute talaga sa team. ‘Yun nga talaga po ‘yung willing ko talaga po maglaro sa loob ng court,” Bedonia said.
For PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, despite having a plethora of veterans at his disposal, he knew that the team could count on Bedonia at such a critical juncture in the clash.
“Mukha lang mahiyain ‘yan at tsaka bata, pero ball is life ‘yan. Matapang ‘yan kaya alam namin na kaya naman mag deliver,” Ricafort said.
Even before the season began, Ricafort had already seen the potential of Bedonia, whom PLDT picked up to fill the gaping hole left by seasoned wing spikers Royse Tubino and Mean Mendrez.
“Hindi naman din tayo kumukuha ng basta basta lang noong off season. Kumukuha talaga kami nung, una, may potential at tsaka alam namin na makakatulong sa team,” Ricafort shared.
“Mabigat ‘yung pagkawala nung dalawang nasa Choco ngayon pero sana naging enough sa recruitment para maka-deliver.”
Bedonia is proof that the new recruits of PLDT in fellow rookie Shiela Kiseo as well as Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo have steadily established their footing in the team.
With a much-improved connection on the court, the High Speed Hitters aim to sustain their winning ways when they collide with the Farm Fresh Foxies on March 23, Saturday.