Cuban spiker Wilma Salas cherishes another stint in the Philippines — this time with the PLDT High Speed Hitters for the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League.
The choice to return to the Philippines was an easy decision for Cuban spiker Wilma Salas.
Fresh off a stint in the Italian Volley League for Roma Volley Club, Salas did not think twice when the call came from PLDT inviting her back to the country.
In her first game back, Salas delivered 11 points and 15 excellent digs in the High Speed Hitters’ commanding 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 win over the Queensland Pirates in the AVC Women's Champions League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Sunday, April 20.
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“I’m so happy for my comeback here in the Philippines. This time, I play for PLDT,” Salas said during the post-game press conference.
“It’s an easy decision,” she added.
“I finished my season in Italy, then the coach from PLDT called me and asked, ‘Wilma, are you free? Are you ready?’ I said, ‘I’m ready. I will go to you. I will go to the Philippines.’”
Wilma Salas celebrates with her PLDT High Speed Hitters teammates during their match against the Queensland Pirates in the AVC Women's Champions League. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Salas, who previously played for Petro Gazz, admitted there were talks about a possible return to her former club but ultimately chose to embrace a new chapter with PLDT.
“Yes, I talked [to Petro Gazz] but I made my decision, and I came here,” Salas said.
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The 34-year-old spiker is no stranger to head coach Rald Ricafort, having been with him in the Angels’ championship run in the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference.
But Salas did note that the High Speed Hitters’ warm atmosphere and the support system around her have been making a huge difference.
“I feel so happy because I feel like it’s a family with this team. Incredible girls, super coach. Nothing more to say about this because I feel like I’m home here,” said Salas.
PLDT will have a one-day break before heading back to action against Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima QminC on Tuesday, April 22.