November 23, 2024

PVL Team Preview: Fueled by heartbreaks, PLDT long due for title push in All-Filipino Conference

PVL Team Preview: Fueled by heartbreaks, PLDT long due for title push in All-Filipino Conference
The PLDT High Speed Hitters have all the pieces to contend for the coveted All-Filipino crown. | Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports

2024 Reinforced Conference record: 6-2 (4th place)

Key additions: Anj Legacion

Key players: Savi Davison, Kath Arado, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Kianna Dy, Kim Fajardo

Coach: Rald Ricafort

One word to describe PLDT’s upcoming campaign

Revenge.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters were just a point away from advancing to their first-ever PVL Finals.

However, controversy struck during the Reinforced Conference semifinals against Akari, which left the team heartbroken.

Months have passed and the High Speed Hitters are well on their way to recovering from the defeat physically and more importantly, mentally.

“Hindi ko masasabing 100 percent [na naka-recover na]. Hindi naman kasi siya makakalimutan pero magiging lesson siya sakin na mas patatagin pa ‘yung team and ‘yung mental toughness talaga,” Arado explained to One Sports.

“Masaya ako kasi kahit paano napag-uusapan na siya in general. Siguro masasabi ko na ‘yun ‘yung process namin. Kaya na namin siyang banggitin na hindi na kami naiiyak, nalulungkot pero ‘yun na ‘yung nagiging motivation as a team,” she added.

Biggest X-Factor for PLDT this season

Kianna Dy.

The former F2 Logistics Cargo Movers superstar has yet to suit up for PLDT since signing with the team during the previous offseason. 

But that could finally change in the upcoming All-Filipino Conference, where Dy has made huge strides in her injury recovery.

[ALSO READ: Kianna Dy has her patience tested during long injury recovery | Off the Record]

Once Dy is back and fully healthy, Kianna could be the missing piece to the the High Speed Hitters' championship aspirations.

Best-case scenario

Extra motivated, PLDT starts the new PVL season on a strong note, pushing ahead in the standings.

Dy finally makes her debut for the High Speed Hitters, where she immediately makes an impact and forms a dynamic duo with Davison.

The two, along with the likes of Fajardo, Arado, Reyes, and Baron, secure another semifinal spot for PLDT, where they have a chance to finally reach the Finals.

Worst-case scenario

Inconsistencies and injury problems hound the High Speed Hitters as they narrowly miss the semifinals after losing some crucial games throughout the extended conference.

Bold prediction

PLDT reaches its first-ever Finals in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, where the High Speed Hitters could bring home an elusive first title.

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