PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort says the team still isn’t at full strength despite players returning from injury, with the potential addition of Alleiah Malaluan seen as key.
Despite PLDT’s unbeaten run so far in the PVL on Tour, head coach Rald Ricafort says the High Speed Hitters are still not yet at full strength.
The team has welcomed back key players during the preseason tilt, including Kianna Dy, Jovy Prado, and Savi Davison.
[ALSO READ: Savi Davison credits PLDT teammates for smooth adjustment in fiery return]
Ricafort, however, stressed that some names from their lineup remain unavailable, most notably prized draftee Alleiah Malaluan, who has yet to suit up due to Alas Pilipinas duties.
“Siguro ‘yung mga galing sa injuries, ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung goal—namakabalik sila,” said Ricafort after their clean sweep of ZUS Coffee in the quarterfinals.
“Pero from the lineup namin, kahit may mga nakabalik ngayon, marami rin naman nawala. Like ‘yung nakalaban namin si Fiola [Ceballos] at si Erika [Santos], wala kami noon.”
Ricafort added that once Malaluan, as well as middle blocker Dell Palomata, officially rejoins the rotation, PLDT could then begin to consider itself at full strength.
“Hopefully, pag nadagdag pa siya, siguro doon medyo maka-consider na full lineup na yung team.”
[ALSO READ: PLDT eyes complete lineup soon as Jovy Prado, Kianna Dy slowly find form in PVL on Tour]
As PLDT prepares for the semifinals, Ricafort emphasized a reset in mindset.
“Tapos na ‘yung preliminaries. Yung record, binigyan lang kami ng magandang schedule, tapos na ‘yun,” he explained.
“Ngayon, knockout na lahat. One game at a time na lang talaga.”
PLDT will face the winner of the Creamline vs. Farm Fresh match in the knockout semifinals on Tuesday, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.