Faster plays and more compelling finishers, that’s what the High Speed Hitters are exhibiting against Asia’s top club teams

After going up against Queensland Pirates (Australia) and Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC (Thailand)

at the eliminations round of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Champions League, the PLDT High Speed Hitters look more primed than ever as they continue their first international campaign. PLDT beat the Pirates last April 20 in dominating fashion, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12. The Manuel V Pangilinan-backed team then lost to Nakhon last April 22, but not without a fight after winning the third and fourth sets to extend the match.

Battling Zhetysu VC (Kazakhstan) in the quarterfinals, PLDT is bent to make this strong impression on the international stage last.

"It’s a big opportunity for us to represent both the Philippines and PLDT, so we want to make the most out of this experience," says Coach Rald Ricafort, reflecting on the team's transition after a demanding Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season. He acknowledges the lessons learned from the previous PVL conference, "I think coming from the PVL season, we still have a lot more to learn especially about playing with more maturity and mental resiliency."

Team captain Kath Arado, who has donned the country’s colors in the past for both junior and senior levels, also shares her excitement and aspirations. "For the AVC, I am really excited to represent our country again and this time, I am more so as I get to play with my PLDT teammates. It’s a great opportunity for us to test our skills not just individually but as a team," she says.

"We are looking to have a good run this time and to learn new systems, play styles, and techniques of other club teams. We will fight until the end and all the learning experience we will get after this conference will be our fuel in the next PVL season," Arado adds.

A whole new level of competition

As a field comprised of international volleyball stars, the shift to the AVC Champions League requires adjustments in both training and mindset.

"Due to the higher level of play, we have to push a little bit more for this tournament," Ricafort explains.

To prepare for the diverse competition in the AVC Champions League, the champion coach says the staff has been working on specific adjustments.

"We have to adjust the tempo of our attacks, and work on the anticipation of having bigger blockers and faster attackers. That’s what we worked on going to this tournament."

Coach Rald Ricafort and team captain Kath Arado steering the High Speed Hitters in their first international tournament

While other technical aspects will be refined, Ricafort emphasizes the importance of the team's mental fortitude and the responsibility that comes with representing both the club and the country. "We can adjust with the technicalities but what’s more important is the mindset of the team going to this tournament,” he adds. “There’s a responsibility of representing not only our club but the country as well. We just want to do our best."

Arado also acknowledges the development of key players within the team. "I think we have a strong ace player (Savi Davison) despite our team being eliminated in the PVL at the quarterfinals. I think she developed and accepted her role in our team as an all-around offensive/defensive player," she notes.

With another star hitter from Cuba in Wilma Salas, the team's morale is high while on this journey. Their approach to the competition is one of seizing every moment.

"Everyone’s excited to play for this tournament. That’s a big factor with our mindset this tournament. We’ll treat every game as our last. We’ll make the most out of this experience," Ricafort says.

"We always support each other and try to persuade one another to extend their patience especially during training," Arado adds.

PLDT’s ace players Savi Davison and Wilma Salas

The honor of representing the PH flag

Ultimately, the team's goal is to give their best.

For Arado, representing the country is a profound honor. "It feels unreal every time I represent our country on an international stage," she expresses. She conveys the team's gratitude to their supporters: "We are always thankful to the fans whether we win or lose and hoping that this opportunity to play and represent our country will be our way of thanking our fans."

Maintaining team unity and a positive environment is crucial, especially during intense periods. "Support in whatever way is always important because it brings us confidence and fuels us physically and mentally,” Arado says. “It feels good that fans trust the High Speed Hitters to be really capable of advancing despite facing other loaded and strong teams."

Arado's message to the fans is one of appreciation and a promise of unwavering effort. "To the fans watching online, we really appreciate your efforts and to the fans watching live, we are always grateful to you because every cheer means a lot to us," she says. "We will fight until the end and we will take this opportunity to become a more aggressive team that is capable of competing with other top teams from around the world.”

Show the PLDT High Speed Hitters your support as they represent the country for the first time at the AVC Women’s Champions League 2025. Watch them take on other Asian teams by catching all the volleyball action on Pilipinas Live. For more updates, follow the team on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.