Dell Palomata was named Best Middle Blocker in Alas Pilipinas' silver-clinching run in the AVC Nations Cup last June.
Dell Palomata quickly reminded everyone of her value as she helped PLDT remain unbeaten via its 24-26, 25-17, 25-17, 25-14 dousing of ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Invitational Thursday night, Aug. 28.
The 6-foot-3 middle blocker delivered 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks to power the High Speed Hitters to a perfect 5-0 finish in the preliminaries, making them just the second team in the league to sweep a preliminary round multiple times.
Coming off a historic stint with Alas Pilipinas, Palomata emphasized that her focus and job remain the same for PLDT.
“Siyempre, as a middle blocker, kailangan ko lang magtrabaho. Ginagawa ko lang 'yong trabaho ko para sa Alas then dito sa mother team ko ngayon,” Palomata said during the post-game press conference.
The 29-year-old Palomata admitted, though, that the international exposure gave her added confidence that she has carried back to the High Speed Hitters.
“Malaking tulong din sa’kin 'yong Alas sa experience din. Na-apply ko rin sa mother team ko. Then balik muna sa training. Pag-aaralan namin this coming championship game,” she said.
PLDT middle blocker Dell Palomata towers at the net. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Palomata enjoyed a breakthrough stint with Alas, highlighted by a silver medal in the AVC Nations Cup and a bronze finish in the SEA V.League.
It was during that run that she also captured her first-ever Best Middle Blocker award.
[RELATED STORY: Dell Palomata wins Best Middle Blocker award for Alas Pilipinas at AVC Nations Cup]
Yet, despite the recognition, Palomata downplayed the pressure, stressing that she refuses to pile on extra expectations.
“Siguro, sa akin, walang bigger expectation. Dapat kung anong mayroon ako, kung anong maitutulong ko sa team Alas pati sa team PLDT,” she stressed.
With PLDT already Finals-bound, Palomata emphasized the need for discipline and focus as they prepare for war against either Chery Tiggo or Kobe Shinwa.
“'Yong magiging mindset, hindi lang sa’kin, para sa amin, ay maipanalo 'yong game. Isa-isa lang munang set. Kailangan naming mag-focus muna sa every set of the game.”