The PLDT High Speed Hitters aren't too focused on topping the standings after regaining their winning ways in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort made it clear that standings are the least of their concerns as the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference hits the midway mark.
The High Speed Hitters climbed to 4-1 for second in the standings after sweeping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-23, 25-23, 25-13, on Saturday, February 28, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Despite the bounce-back win following their loss to Cignal, Ricafort said PLDT is still focused on learning and responding the right way.
"Marami pa kami kailangang matutunan," Ricafort said during the post-game press conference. "Hindi naman laging panalo. Credit talaga sa Cignal dahil pinaghandaan nila kami. Mas mahalaga kung paano kami mag-respond."
Ricafort acknowledged being one of the league’s early frontrunners, PLDT is balancing out in maintaining its system while also adjusting to its opponents.
"Hindi lang kami 'yung nag-i-scout," he said. "Lahat na. Mataas na 'yung level ngayon, so minsan nasa mental resilience na lang—kung paano kami mag-recover, paano kami mag-decide sa loob ng court."
That approach showed against ZUS Coffee, with Savi Davison pacing PLDT with 17 points and Kianna Dy adding 16 as the High Speed Hitters pulled away late in the match.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Kianna Dy focuses on steady improvement after 20-point outing vs Capital1]
Ricafort noted of the league's growing parity, with every team having a shot at winning the match.
Because of this, the three-time PVL champion coach wants his team to stay grounded, move on quickly from both wins and losses, and lock in on the next challenge.
"Hindi namin iisipin 'yung standings," Ricafort said. "May lesson na lahat ng teams—hindi automatic na sure win kahit nasa baba 'yung kalaban. Lahat nag-improve at may chance manalo."
[ALSO READ: By the numbers: How Rald Ricafort’s trusty tablet organizes PLDT’s PVL championship poise]
PLDT aims to carry that mindset into its next outing against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, March 5, at the same venue.
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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.