No Kim Fajardo, Rhea Dimaculangan? No problem for rookie setter Angge Alcantara as she led the PLDT High Speed Hitters in their opening-game victory over the Nxled Chameleons.
With Kim Fajardo sitting out to start the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, PLDT turned to rookie setter Angge Alcantara to orchestrate the team’s offense against Nxled.
Showing no signs of nerves, the 8th overall pick in the inaugural Rookie Draft delivered for the High Speed Hitters, nabbing the Player of the Game honors with 13 excellent sets.
For Alcantara, it’s all about stepping up for the team and repaying the trust given to her by coach Rald Ricafort.
“Siyempre nagpapa-salamat po ako sa tiwala ni coach [Rald] sa akin. Yun, in-embrace ko lang din ‘yung role ko at focus lang talaga,” Alcantara said during the post-game press conference.
With Fajardo out of action for now, the High Speed Hitters are relatively thin at setter as the team also saw veteran playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan leave the squad after three years.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Angge Alcantara excited to learn under PLDT veteran setters Kim Fajardo, Rhea Dimaculangan]
Having played on and off during her time with Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP, Alcantara knows it’s about time she had her chance to shine.
“Wala namang choice,” Alcantara quipped.
“Tinanggap ko lang. Bukal naman sa loob ko and inisip ko na rin na it's my time na rin para mag-step up,” she added.
As PLDT continues to adjust its lineup amid the extended All-Filipino Conference, coach Ricafort is ready to field in Alcantara or the newly-signed Anj Legacion as the team’s starting setter.
“Kahit naman sino actually, kahit inuna ko si Angge, na-praktis naman namin sa preparation na ready sila pareho maging main,” said Ricafort. “Regardless sinong mauna, dapat walang difference, nakaka-deliver dapat.”
For now, the 23-year-old setter is continuing to work on her game to deliver more wins for the High Speed Hitters.
“Trabaho pa tsaka ‘yung mga need na i-workout sa skills at decision-making,” said Alcantara.