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| PLDT High Speed Hitters (Image Source: PLDT Inc.) |
With three former MVPs (Most Valuable Players) on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. All eyes are now on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) as it faces 11 other participants in the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.
Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter). All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals among other silver finishes and individual awards. After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court, contributing 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations. Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 and national competition levels in the US while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.
Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster. “We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) First Vice President and Head of Sports Jude H. Turcuato. PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.
A few days before the opening of the new season, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan. “The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events — and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” said Pangilinan. The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.
Catch the PLDT High Speed Hitters in action on the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with live games every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on One Sports, One Sports+ on Cignal, Cignal Play, Pilipinas Live, pvl.ph, and the newest free-to-air channel RPTV and on-demand via PVL's official YouTube channel and Pilipinas Live.
