It's time.
After seasons of near misses, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are finally on the cusp of history. This Sunday, August 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena, they face the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in their first-ever PVL Finals appearance—and they’re doing it with an undefeated run in the off-season conference.
For Filipino volleyball fans, this isn’t just another finals match. It’s the story of a team that rebuilt, persevered, and is now ready to claim the top spot. From heartbreaking podium misses to a thrilling five-set victory over the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in the semis, PLDT’s road to the finals has been nothing short of inspiring.
A Perfect Blend of Veteran Power and Rising Stars
.jpg "Coach Rald Ricafort leads PLDT High Speed Hitters in PVL finals campaign.")
Head coach Rald Ricafort credits their flawless off-season strategy for this historic run. The team’s success, he says, comes from patience, trust in the system, and the right mix of experience and fresh talent.
Key players driving the finals push:
Kim Kianna Dy – making a powerful comeback after 559 days off due to a knee injury.
Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron – La Salle alumnae bringing championship experience to the pros.
Kiesha Bedonia – league’s second-best server and a breakout star this season.
Jovy Prado – back in action after ACL recovery, providing clutch plays.
Kath Arado – team captain and libero, currently leading the league in both receiving and digging stats.
‘Pusong PLDT’: The Secret Weapon
For Ricafort, the team’s transformation wasn’t just about skill—it was about heart, grit, and unity.
“This time, we are healthy and complete. The maturity of the players helped us execute the system we wanted to run,” Ricafort shared.
The High Speed Hitters are now the league’s best blocking team, with Baron, Reyes, Bedonia, and Dy dominating at the net. Arado is on track for another Best Libero award, while Bedonia’s serving has been a game-changer.
From Disappointment to Destiny
The journey hasn’t been easy. In the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, PLDT fell to Akari in the semis and Cignal in the battle for bronze. The All-Filipino Conference saw them finish fifth despite an 8–3 preliminary record.
But instead of letting setbacks define them, the High Speed Hitters used every loss as fuel. They’ve built chemistry on and off the court, proving that “Pusong PLDT” isn’t just a motto—it’s a mindset.
Finals Showdown: All Eyes on August 17
This weekend’s match is more than a shot at a title—it’s the culmination of years of preparation. PLDT Home, the team’s main backer, is rallying fans to support the squad as they aim for their first PVL crown.
Catch the PLDT High Speed Hitters vs. Chery Tiggo Crossovers finals clash this Sunday, 6:30 p.m., live at the Mall of Asia Arena.