The PLDT High Speed Hitters will face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles again, but this time in the qualifying round of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters have officially locked in the no. 4 seed heading into the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino qualifying round.
In front of a jam-packed crowd at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo City, the High Speed Hitters flashed their brilliance against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after winning in straight sets, 25-20, 25-16, 25-15.
As the fourth seed, PLDT will face ZUS Coffee once more, as the Thunderbelles finished the preliminaries with a 4-7 record for ninth in the standings.
Knowing this, team captain Kath Arado, who has hailed the Player of the Game with 16 excellent digs, wants her squad to continue their momentum and produce their “killer instinct” heading into the playoffs.
“Siguro 'yung maturity talaga namin as a team, kasi hindi na dapat kami 'yung team na kinakapos hanggang dulo eh. So napapatunayan naman namin 'yun sa past games,” Arado said during the post-game interview. “Kailangan talaga namin na 'yung killer instinct talaga na tapusin hanggang dulo 'yung laban.”
"Siguro mas tutok kami ngayon sa service-receive. Kasi going to next games namin after sa ZUS [Coffee], kailangan talaga namin ng magandang pasa. Kasi andiyan naman si Savi [Davison] eh. So parang samin, mas mapapadali 'yung buhay kung may receive kami tsaka serve."
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This was the same sentiment shared by coach Rald Ricafort after the match, understanding that the High Speed Hitters are still far from their goal this conference.
“Siguro 'yung complacency lang, huwag papasok. Kasi 'yun 'yung goal namin--para maka-abot sa dulo,” Ricafor explained.
“'Yung maturity [din] para umabot kami ng dulo, saka 'yung ma-maintain namin 'yung health ng players,” he added.
Twelve PLDT players scored in the dominant victory, with Savi Davison leading the way with a game-high 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks. Meanwhile, Majoy Baron continued her strong showing with 10 markers.
The PVL All-Filipino qualifying round will begin next Thursday, February 27 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.