Thrust into the captaincy, Kath Arado is feeling no pressure right now.
The 5-foot-5 libero was chosen as the interim team captain of the PLDT High Speed Hitters for the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, which goes into full swing on February 20.
She is stepping up in lieu of Mika Reyes, who is still recuperating from a right shoulder operation.
[ALSO READ: Mika Reyes out for PLDT in PVL All-Filipino Conference]
As daunting as the duty may seem, Arado is taking it as easily as she receives a power spike from an opposing team.
"'Yung pressure to handle the team, wala. Veterans kasi mga kasama ko, so pinapadali nila 'yung trabaho ko as a captain," the University of the East product shared.
"Sobrang gaan nila kasama, lalo na 'yung mga pumasok sa amin," she added.
Arado also bared that Reyes has been providing advice and support whenever she can.
"Si ate Mika naman kahit hindi namin siya nakakasama sa training, kinakamusta niya ako. Hindi naman siya nagkukulang to guide me lalo na sa mga kasama ko... Saka kahit mga gathering, andiyan siya, kinakamusta niya kami," the two-time PVL Best Libero said.
Arado is keen on PLDT's bid for cohesion as the team continues to integrate Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Shiela Kiseo, and Kiesha Bedonia into coach Rald Ricafort's system.
"Alam ko naman competitive 'yung mga kasama ko, so as someone na competitive din, parang madali lang. Siguro ang pinakatrabaho ko lang is paano magje-jell 'yung team. As of now, maayos 'yung training namin and conversations namin as a team. Tamang pace lang kami papuntang conference," she said.
The High Speed Hitters are aiming for a podium finish this time, as they ended in fifth place with a 7-4 record in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
With Dy and Reyes still recovering, Arado is just hoping there would be no more injuries this season.
"Ang gusto lang naman namin ngayon is to be healthy 'yung bawat kasama ko sa loob ng court. Ang mga kasama ko naman, very competitive sila at hindi kami nalalayo sa skills sa ibang teams. Kaya kung mawala na 'yung injury problems within the team, mabilis na lang namin mami-meet 'yung goal ng team," she said.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters will open their 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign on February 22, Thursday, 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Arena against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.
It will be airing live on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.