The PLDT Home Fibr Hitters officially announced their return to the Premier Volleyball League Wednesday, March 3.
The announcement came a few hours after sister team Cignal HD Spikers disclosed their entry to the pro volleyball league, seeking to challenge powerhouse teams spearheaded by the Creamline Cool Smashers in the upcoming Open Conference tentatively set in May.
“We are very deeply engaged in Philippine sports, supporting various sports -- including volleyball -- for a long time through the MVP Sports Foundation. We have always believed in the power of sports to make the lives of Filipinos better," said PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio in a statement.
“It definitely feels like a revival for our team since it feels good to be back home," said PLDT and SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato. "It is about time that we go back to our roots which is the PVL. It's just refreshing to have a new beginning."
PLDT last played in the league, which was then called V-League, six years ago where it won the Open and Reinforced Conference titles.
Multi-titled coach Roger Gorayeb, who has coached several teams in the league for 14 years, will handle the crew composed of Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Eli Soyud, Marist Layug, Chin Basas, Iza Viray, Yeye Gabarda, Shola Alvarez, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Vira Guillema, Jorelle Singh, and Kat Villegas.
"Labing-apat na taon ako sa V-League. Umpisa pa lang niyan, kasama ko na sina Sir Ricky (Palou) kaya sobrang nakakatuwa na makakabalik na kami. Sana matuloy namin yung magandang legacy ng PLDT sa PVL," said Gorayeb, who has won eight championships in the V-League.