The drum beats on for the PLDT High Speed Hitters as they shoot to clinch a third-place finish in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Although not in the championship game at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City, the High Speed Hitters are committed to finish the conference with “puso” ringing through the end.

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed team lost their finals ticket after a heartbreaking 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 15-17 loss against the Akari Chargers in the knockout semifinal.

“Personally, nahirapan akong tanggapin nung una kasi feeling ko malapit na naming maabot ang goal namin as a team,” said team captain Kath Arado. “Pero kahit masakit para sa amin kung ano ang naging outcome ng game, pinakita ng team kung gaano sila ka-professional bilang manlalaro at ka-passionate sa sport. For this, I remain thankful.”

PLDT's conference stint was the epitome of “puso,” as the team played the entire tournament without leading local scorers in Savi Davison and Kianna Dy – who were both out due to injury. Despite that, the team made a spirited run to the semifinals, facing the undefeated Akari Chargers as the fourth overall seed.

The High Speed Hitters were close to sealing the deal, but breaks of the game did not turn into their favor. They ultimately fell short of a finals stint against powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, facing sister team Cignal HD Spikers for the bronze medal instead.

Puso = power

“Despite these tough times, we remain committed to finishing the tournament. Puso ang ipanlalaban namin,” said Arado. “Mas nanaig pa din yung integrity na gusto naming i-instill sa bawat isa na lalaban kami palagi nang tapat at patas. Dahil para sa akin, dito mas mahuhubog yung loob at isip namin tanggapin ano man ang mangyari at palaging mag-set ng positive mindset sa mga bagay na mahal namin kagaya ng volleyball.”

Arado, a three-time PVL Best Libero, registered 19 excellent digs in their last match, supporting setter Kim Fajardo’s efficient and well-distributed plays. Import Lena Samoilenko led PLDT’s scoresheet at 30 points, with contributions from Erika Santos (15 pts.), Fiola Ceballos (14 pts.), Majoy Baron (7 pts.), and the returning Mika Reyes (7 pts.).

Although the team lost in deflating fashion, the team remains inspired by the love sent on social media from the throngs of supporters the team has and had gained over the past few days. On Monday night, X (formerly Twitter) saw “We stand with PLDT” trending in relation to the team’s ongoing quest.

Fighting the good fight

Head coach Rald Ricafort shares that the team is very much inspired by the overwhelming, all-out support. He intends to use it as a major rallying cry to end the conference on a high note.

“I just constantly remind them who we are as a team. That we did everything the right way with purpose, integrity, and the growth mindset na nakatulong sa amin throughout the years,” said Ricafort.

“I think more than the motivation of getting a podium finish, these players remain very focused and disciplined. As we pursue a winning culture and try to help them reach the next level, yung focus at disiplina talaga nila ang nagdadala. They also truly trust each other, including us as coaches,” he added.