PLDT coach Rald Ricafort downplayed three-peat talk, stressing daily improvement and roster depth as the High Speed Hitters welcome import Anastasiia Bavykina for the PVL Reinforced Conference.
PLDT High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort isn’t looking too far ahead as his squad prepares for the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The High Speed Hitters enter the tournament carrying back-to-back championships from the On Tour and Invitational.
Ricafort emphasized that the team’s mindset remains on day-to-day improvement rather than chasing history.
“'Yun siguro 'yung una, hindi namin goal 'yung three-peat or anything kasi bagong conference, bagong competition,” he said. “Alam namin na mahirap yung magiging conference given na yung Alas tsaka yung imports maayos talaga lahat. So, day by day ulit kami. Kung saan ulit kami aabutin ng hard work namin.”
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Short preparations
Following their grind through the On Tour and Invitational tournament, Ricafort revealed the team only had a brief two-week break before resuming training.
The High Speed Hitters ended their Invitational campaign on August 31, defeating Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa for the title.
“Nagpahinga kasi very limited 'yung naging rest namin from Invitationals. So, nag-off kami ng two weeks, kakabalik-balik lang namin. Parang third week pa lang namin this week, so naghahabol pa tsaka hinahabol yung condition ng players,” he explained.
Still chasing, not the hunted
Despite being tagged as one of the teams to beat, Ricafort insisted PLDT is maintaining the same underdog mentality that fueled their recent success.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters celebrate their PVL on Tour title victory. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“Hindi namin masyadong iniisip eh. Ganun pa rin kami na kami 'yung naghahabol kasi tapos naman na yung naging dalawang tournaments. So ganun pa rin kami, back to start pa rin kami,” he said.
Healthy roster and import boost
With a complete lineup, depth continues to be a strength for the High Speed Hitters, especially with the addition of Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina.
The 33-year-old outside hitter will join a stacked PLDT squad, which features Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, and Kath Arado.
“Good problem tsaka ayun nga para mas ma-feel namin yung depth nung bench kasi lalo noong dalawang conference, 'yun 'yung naging key points din namin noong dumating si Alleiah [Malaluan] from Alas tsaka si Dell [Palomata]. So dagdag pa yung import, sana mas makatulong pa rin,” Ricafort added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Rald Ricafort welcomes returning players, but full-strength PLDT a work in progress]
The High Speed Hitters will now look to carry their momentum into the Reinforced Conference, which begins on October 7.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.