PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort and team captain Kath Arado praised the team's mindset and response to adversity after finishing Pool A with a 4-1 record in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters wrapped up their Pool A campaign on a high note, sweeping the Nxled Chameleons, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, on Friday, October 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
The victory marked PLDT’s fourth win in five games, keeping them tied with the Farm Fresh Foxies atop the standings, although the High Speed Hitters hold the top spot thanks to a superior set ratio.
After the match, head coach Rald Ricafort lauded his team’s effort throughout the match in limiting Nxled import Paola Martinez despite her 29-point effort.
“'Yung mindset going to this game na kailangan namin matuto na hindi maulit 'yung slow start nung natalo namin. Hindi rin naman ibibigay ni Nxled, knowing nga na 'yung import nila gumagana na rin,” Ricafort said during the post-game press conference.
“Buti nagka-tugma tugma naman. Lamang pa rin sila sa attack pero na-capitalize namin 'yung naging errors nila kaya nakakaiwan sa dulo.
No excuses for the two-time PVL champs
Despite the 4-1 record, many expected the High Speed Hitters to have swept their Pool A campaign. However, a shock loss to then-import-less Cignal ended the team’s 15-game winning streak.
Still, Ricafort remained proud of the team’s fight, noting that despite injuries and early hurdles, the players have shown growth in how they respond to adversity.
“Hindi naman naiwan 'yung games na naglalaro kaming may injured, pero again, 'di siya puwede maging reason sa’min,” he said.
“So far, medyo timely rin 'yung naging wake-up call kasi mindset-wise tsaka attitude-wise, tsaka sa trainings namin, bumalik 'yung kung paano kami naghirap before para makuha 'yung mga panalo namin,” he added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Rald Ricafort calls PLDT's first loss a ‘wake-up call’ after 15-game streak ends]
Building momentum towards the next round
Team captain and libero Kath Arado echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing that, despite injuries and limited preparation, accountability remains at the forefront of their approach.
“Kita ko sa mga kasama ko, lalo nung pagkatalo namin, talagang hindi puwede maging reason na medyo naging pangit preparation namin kasi may mga naging injury nga. Still, game pa rin 'yun eh, dapat wala na reason,” said Arado.
[ALSO READ: Kianna Dy, Kath Arado preach focus and hunger as PLDT's title chase heats up in PVL Reinforced]
She added that the loss helped refocus everyone’s attention and sharpen their mental discipline.
“Nakita 'yung tutok ng mga kasama ko, tutok namin, tutok ng coaches, and parang reminders din ng mga coaches na every point, next point ng next point, hanggang matapos,” she said.
PLDT will now have a short break before the second round of the tournament.
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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.