Rald Ricafort praised PLDT's relentless net defense after posting back-to-back double-digit blocking performances to start their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort is putting a premium on defense. And so far, it’s paying off handsomely.
The High Speed Hitters have turned their blocking into a major weapon early in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, posting back-to-back double-digit block totals en route to an unbeaten start.
After a towering 16-block performance in their opening-day sweep of Capital1, PLDT followed it up with 10 rejections in their straight-set victory over Choco Mucho, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19, on Thursday night, October 16.
All part of the plan
For Ricafort, the success is no accident, emphasizing that PLDT’s program was designed to make blocking not just a defensive skill but an offensive tool.
“‘Yun talaga ‘yung objective ng program,” Ricafort shared to One Sports. “Kahit hindi sa height, ‘yung skill level ng bawat isa dapat marunong gawing offensive ‘yung block namin.”
“Dumagdag pa ngayon kasi kahit si Nastiia [Bavykina] sa left side, maayos din mag-block,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Ricafort says PLDT focused on growth, not three-peat heading to PVL Reinforced Conference]
Blocking leads to momentum
Savi Davison and Dell Palomata put up three blocks each against the Flying Titans. Before that, Davison and Kianna Dy were having their way with seven and four rejections, respectively, against the Solar Spikers.
Majoy Baron and Kianna Dy put up a wall during PLDT's straight-sets win over Choco Mucho. | Photo: PVL
But beyond being a point-producing weapon, Ricafort views blocking as a stabilizer, something that can win sets even when the team’s offense isn’t clicking.
“Personally, gusto ko lang i-beat ‘yung saying na ‘defense doesn’t win championships,’” he added. “Kasama sa defense ang block, at kung nakakatulong ito para makakuha kami ng puntos, kukunin at kukunin namin ‘yun.”
“Hindi lagi magiging swabe ‘yung offense, pero kapag gumagana ang block, doon kami nakakapagbuo ng momentum.”
[ALSO READ: PLDT players name who are toughest to block in PVL]
PLDT will try to make it three straight double-digit rejections in their next match against the Cignal Super Spikers on Tuesday, October 21.
—
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.