PLDT team captain Kath Arado credited her team’s unity, growth from past setbacks, and a finally healthy roster for their breakthrough PVL on Tour Finals berth.
PLDT High Speed Hitters captain Kath Arado beamed with pride after leading her squad to its first-ever PVL Finals berth, following a five-set escape over the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL on Tour semifinals on Tuesday, August 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Arado, who had 16 excellent digs and 23 excellent receptions, stressed that the feat was a result of collective effort, crediting not just her leadership role but the contributions of every player, coach, and team staff.
“Sobrang proud ako. Hindi lang dahil captain ako at nadala nga namin sa Finals ‘yung team pero sobrang proud ako bilang player na eto ‘yung mga kasama ko,” Arado told One Sports. “Talagang hindi lang kasi puwedeng i-credit sa isang tao eh… lahat talaga ng players, lahat ng coaches, management, talagang individually, ‘yung trabaho talaga na binibigay ng bawat tao.”
The veteran libero pointed to past heartbreaks and near-misses as the team’s driving force.
Since the 2023 All-Filipino Conference, PLDT has always placed either 4th or 5th in the final standings, coming close but failing to make the Finals.
Learning from those setbacks, Arado said, helped each member mature and own up to shortcomings, both individually and as a unit.
“‘Yun talaga ‘yung binebase namin eh. ‘Yung mga experience na gano'n na almost. Doon nagmamature tsaka 'yun nga inaako ng mga bawat tao kung anong pagkukulang namin, individual and as a team. Every training, one game at a time talaga kami. Hindi namin agad nilulook forward yung magiging result ng bawat isa,” she said.
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This time, things also finally aligned for Arado and the rest of the High Speed Hitters.
More than just their determination, health was on their side as several of their stars returned from their injuries, allowing them to build consistency and chemistry throughout the preseason tilt.
“Kapag nasa training o kompleto kami sobrang saya namin kasi siyempre isa sa hindrance ng team namin is ‘yung injury eh, so malaking bagay siya sa amin,” said Arado. “Sabi ng coaches sa amin before nag-start yung game na ito, maganda kondisyon ng katawan namin. ‘Yung alaga sa katawan tsaka ‘yung disiplina ng bawat isa na iwasan muna ‘yung ganito. Talagang sacrifice talaga ‘yung team."
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PLDT will now try to cap its near-perfect PVL on Tour campaign with a championship as they face the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Sunday, August 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports)