PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort hopes to field a complete roster soon, as returning veterans Jovy Prado and Kianna Dy show promising form in the PVL on Tour.
After several conferences of missing key players in the team, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are slowly but surely inching closer to a complete lineup.
The High Speed Hitters hit the ground running in the PVL on Tour, improving to 2-0 behind a dominant sweep of the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-22, 25-15, 25-16, at the Capital City Arena in Ilagan City on Saturday, July 12.
Still, head coach Rald Ricafort knows their journey is far from complete, especially with key players still sidelined or easing back into competitive form.
“'Yun naman 'yung naging takbo nung, di naman programa, pero 'yun 'yung naging story ng PLDT eh na made-develop mo, may mga accidents sa mga ganito, aantayin namin,” Ricafort said during the post-game press conference.
“Nagiging patient naman kami sa mga nagkakaroon ng injuries pero mina-make sure namin na pagbalik nila, 100 percent na talaga sila. Saka, 'yung patience na binibigay, nandun naman talaga lagi,” he added.
Two players who have slowly made their way back into top shape are veterans Jovy Prado and Kianna Dy.
Prado, who scored 12 points and tallied 13 excellent receptions in the win over the Angels, is continuing to build her confidence after coming off an ACL tear.
“Tiwala lang kami sa process, lalo na sa katawan namin,” said Prado. “Hanggang ngayon naman nag-adjust pa rin kasi matagal rin kami nawala and ayun tiwala lang kami talaga.”
[ALSO READ: PLDT’s Jovy Prado finding comfort in journey toward recovery]
Dy, who also sat out for an extended period due to a knee injury, also contributed 10 points and is slowly regaining her court rhythm.
“It’s an everyday process,” said Dy. “Improve lang kami nang improve sa training and get more feel of the court because we came from our injuries.”
“Of course, with the help of our coaches and teammates na very patient with us and tinulungan rin kami to get to where we are right now,” she added.
[ALSO READ: 559 days of patience: How Kianna Dy’s return became a powerful testament to resilience]
With players like Savi Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, and Dell Palomata still unavailable due to Alas Pilipinas and other commitments, Ricafort hopes the team will soon have its complete arsenal ready, just in time to peak for the next PVL season.
“Habol talaga sana namin na ma-complete kami ng buong kumpletong lineup pero nag-up and down eh. Nung wala sila, iba 'yung nagpe-perform. Ngayong nandito na sila, kulang nanaman kami. So, goal sana namin na ma-kompleto kami sana soon,” said Ricafort.
For now, PLDT will set it sights on a third straight win when they go toe-to-toe with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans tomorrow, July 13.