High Speed Hitters Strengthens Lineup for PVL Reinforced Conference

     The PLDT High Speed Hitters are storming into the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference powered by renewed strength and added firepower. Coming off back-to-back preseason championships in the PVL On Tour and the Invitational Conference, PLDT led with a 15-game winning streak – before their loss to the Cignal Super Spikers in their most recent duel. This season, the team channels the heartbreak of last year's fourth place finish into potent fuel, assembling a championship roster led by a world-class import and two dynamic local talents.

     Leading the charge is new Russian outside hitter Anastasiia Bavykina. Standing at a towering 6’2”, the 33-year-old brings over 15 years of international experience, spanning Russia, Europe, Asia, and the United States. The veteran player is the perfect solution for PLDT, adding crucial height, offensive versatility, and an immediate blocking presence to complement the team's already solid defensive unit.

High Speed Hitters Strengthens Lineup for PVL Reinforced Conference

Patience, Chemistry, ‘Pusong PLDT’: High Speed Hitters Heading to 1st PVL Finals Match

     It’s time. After seemingly elusive chances at the podium in the past conferences, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are finally closing in on their first-ever Premiere Volleyball League (PVL) championship as they take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed team definitely revved their momentum all the way up to a fever pitch. Finishing the short but sweet PVL off-season conference undefeated, the High Speed Hitters took out the Creamline Cool Smashers with a heart-thumping 5-set victory in the semifinals do-or-die.

Patience, chemistry, ‘pusong PLDT’: High Speed Hitters reveal game plan heading to 1st PVL finals match

PLDT’s Dy, Reyes, Alcantara Reveal their Biggest Supporters

     The elite athletes of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) may be some of the best to ever step on the court, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t need help to stay at the top of their game.

      Sports, especially at the major-league level, is a tough pursuit with all of its treacherous lows that come with the exciting highs. An athlete doesn’t get to and stay in the pros without the support of some important people in their life.

PLDT’s Dy, Reyes, Alcantara Reveal their Biggest Supporters

PLDT High Speed Hitters Exhibit ‘puso,’ Hope to Finish PVL Reinforced Conference on a Victorious Note

     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, September 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.

PLDT High Speed Hitters Exhibit ‘puso,’ Hope to Finish PVL Reinforced Conference on a Victorious Note

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

     With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

     Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet