The PLDT High Speed Hitters are on a tear, winning all five games in their pool in the PVL on Tour.
CEBU CITY — PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort has much to be happy about after his wards completed a 5-0 sweep of Pool A in the preliminary round of the PVL on Tour, capping things off with a three-set victory over the listless Galeries Tower Sunday, July 27.
But more than just the results, including their ongoing win streak, Ricafort is happier to see that the High Speed Hitters have done well despite the various circumstances they faced during the offseason.
From roster changes to player availability due to national team duties, PLDT has remained steadfast in its goal.
[RELATED STORY: PLDT topples Galeries Tower to complete pool phase sweep of PVL on Tour in Cebu]
“Malaking bagay [that the team delivered despite the circumstances]. From doon sa mga Alas to mga key players na nawala sa’min, 'yong preparation namin para dito, nag-commit silang hindi maramdaman 'yon,” Ricafort said.
“Lumalabas naman 'yong result pero nasa preliminaries pa lang. Alam naman naming mahaba pa.”
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort during his charges' PVL on Tour match against Galeries Tower in Cebu | Photo (c) PVL
Among the changes PLDT had to deal with are players like Dell Palomata and Alleiah Malaluan being unavailable due to Alas Pilipinas commitments as well as Fil-Canadian Savi Davison's late return from a lengthy absence in their build-up.
[RELATED STORY: Savi Davison back in uniform for PLDT in Cebu leg of PVL on Tour]
Despite everything, players have risen to the occasion, especially the likes of Jovielyn Prado and Kiesha Bedonia, who have taken on the role of wing spikers.
"'Yong improvement at saka 'yong exposure doon sa dalawa (Prado and Bedonia0, nasagad namin.” said Ricafort.
"Challenge 'tong Galeries kasi may pagod din 'yong kahapon at 'yong NXLED, paangat na rin sila. Hindi pa lumalabas gaano sa standings pero nandoon sila. Na-overcome namin 'yong challenge kanina,” Ricafort said.
Though the High Speed Hitters have done nothing but rake up wins in the past weeks, Ricafort knows there is much more to work on, especially as they now play the waiting game for whoever they face in the quarterfinals.
Set for a long break before plunging back into action in the playoffs, PLDT looks to translate its success in pool play to where it matters most.