New year, new season, and for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, a massive new chance to prove they belong at the very top.

After their fourth-place finish last conference, the High Speed Hitters aren’t just looking to participate in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. They look to reclaim their identity as champions, starting with a winning sweep against multi-titlist Creamline Cool Smashers followed by a four-set victory over the Bella Belen-bannered Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Fueling the fire

For the High Speed Hitters, coming so close to a podium finish last year wasn’t a setback; it was a wake-up call.

“Last season was very challenging,” said Coach Rald Ricafort. “Even though we didn’t reach our final goal, the team learned a lot. We are working hard this pre-season to improve and hopefully reach our goal again this conference.”

Team captain Kath Arado echoes this sentiment, noting that the hunger to bounce back is palpable throughout the squad.

“Gustong makabawi ulit. Tingin ko, ito pa din yung mindset ng bawat isa samin especially naging maganda yung training namin sa Japan at maraming kaming bagong natutunan individually and as a team,” she shared. “Tinitignan namin na one game at a time dahil halos lahat ng team ay lumakas.”

The Japan connection

To prepare for the grind of the All-Filipino Conference, the High Speed Hitters took their training to Japan. The experience wasn’t just about physical conditioning; it was a masterclass in the “Japanese way” – speed, discipline, and flawless fundamentals.

“Philippine volleyball still has a long way to go,” Coach Rald observed. “We saw kids from elementary to college having the same consistency and discipline that we aim to adopt. We want to play smart and be as mentally resilient as possible.”

For the players, the trip served as a reminder that winning isn’t always about power – it’s about patience.

“Lagi itong nagiging paalala,” added Arado. “Maraming pagkakataon na din kasi na sa kagustuhan namin matapos na yung game at makabawi agad, mas nahihirapan pa kami instead na mas makuha yung panalo. Ako as a captain, dapat sakin magsimula na wag madaliin ang paglalaro. Na dapat kami yung mag-set ng tempo na familiar kami at makakapag-execute ng maayos na play.”

A new edge in the middle

Adding to the excitement is the arrival of middle blocker Seth Rodriguez. A former teammate of Arado at the University of the East, Rodriguez brings a mix of height and high-energy play that the team needs, especially with key players like Dell Palomata playing abroad.

“I think my optimism and my ‘pagiging palaban’ (competitiveness) yung madadala ko sa team,” Rodriguez says of her transition. “Andun pa po ako sa adjustment stage, trying to keep up sa solid na system ng team. But my teammates always help me and they make sure na makasabay po ako sa system na meron sila.”

Arado is confident that her old friend will be a pillar for PLDT. “Yung blockings nya siguro talaga yung sasandalan namin tsaka yung competitiveness nya sa court na ‘pag nabigyan sya ng pagkakataon, ibibigay nya yung 100% nya para makatulong sa team.”

Because of this and the training experience in Japan, fans shouldn’t expect the same old High Speed Hitters. This version of PLDT aims to be more technical, more disciplined, and significantly faster.

“Hopefully, fans will notice a more technical approach in terms of executing skills,” Ricafort says. “We aim to play consistent, smart, and resilient volleyball.”

For Rodriguez, the message to the supporters is simple: “PLDT fans, thank you sa pagtanggap sakin. Please continue to support us lalo na sa mga upcoming games namin this season.”

With the PVL All-Filipino Conference revving up, the PLDT High Speed Hitters aren’t just playing for points – they’re playing for redemption. And with the speed of their namesake, they’re coming for the crown.