Fresh off a breakthrough year, the PLDT High Speed Hitters enter 2026 with a new goal of finally capturing the elusive PVL All-Filipino crown.
PLDT’s credibility is no longer in question.
The High Speed Hitters have already proven they can win across PVL formats, with championships to show for it.
The next step now is capturing the All-Filipino title, a goal now firmly within reach.
A long-awaited breakthrough
- All-Filipino Conference: 5th place
- PVL On Tour: Champions
- Invitational: Champions
- Reinforced Conference: 4th place
It was a historic year for the PLDT franchise after bagging its first PVL title during the On Tour, only to follow that up with another championship during the Invitational.
While their 4th place finish wasn’t the yearender that they had hoped for, the High Speed Hitters carry plenty of momentum heading into the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
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Minimal changes, familiar structure
Key addition: Seth Rodriguez
Key departure: Dell Palomata (Indonesia)
While any major addition would have been a big bonus, PLDT didn’t need to do much during the offseason.
Palomata, now playing for the Yogya Falcons in Indonesia’s Proliga, was replaced by Rodriguez, who has proven to be a capable defensive option in the middle.
A core built to compete
The High Speed Hitters continue to be anchored by a group that has played significant minutes together.
Leading the way will be Invitational MVP Savi Davison, alongside Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Kath Arado, and Alleiah Malaluan.
The PLDT core under head coach Rald Ricafort is capable of beating any team on any given night. But the true test lies during the playoffs, where the stakes are at its highest.
From contenders to finishers?
PLDT has already shown it can win titles.
The challenge now is translating that success into the All-Filipino Conference, where sustained execution often separates contenders from champions.
The pieces are in place for the High Speed Hitters to turn momentum into a true All-Filipino breakthrough, which will likely define the next step in their rise in the PVL.
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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.