PLDT High Speed Hitters Poised for Championship in 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference

The PLDT High Speed Hitters are entering the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with a blend of seasoned experience, emerging talent, and international expertise, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the championship.

Building on back-to-back preseason titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference, PLDT continues to harness momentum despite a recent loss to Cignal, which has only intensified their determination to succeed. This season, the team strengthens its roster with a formidable foreign import, two promising rookies, and a proven veteran core ready to make an impact.

Leading the squad is Russian outside hitter Anastasiia Bavykina, a 6’2" player with more than 15 years of professional experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the United States. Renowned for her versatile skill set and commanding presence at the net, Bavykina contributes both offensive firepower and defensive stability essential to championship-caliber teams.

"She’s not just a scorer. She’s a veteran presence who steadies the team," said head coach Rald Ricafort, noting that Bavykina completes PLDT’s lineup through her reception, blocking, and defensive abilities.

In her PVL debut, Bavykina made an immediate impact, delivering 10 spikes, 2 service aces, and 10 excellent receptions against Capital1, followed by an impressive 18-point performance versus Farm Fresh. Her collaboration with Invitational Conference MVP Savi Davison is emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic outside hitter duos.

Before securing Bavykina, PLDT bolstered its future prospects by drafting two standout rookies in the inaugural PVL Draft: Alleiah Malaluan and Zenneth Perolino.

Malaluan, a standout from De La Salle University and three-time UAAP finalist, brings a poised yet powerful approach to the professional stage. "For me, success means hitting our goals – both individually and as a team," she shared. "Fans can expect me to be a reliable teammate who steps up when it counts."

Perolino, representing Enderun College, is among the first non-UAAP/NCAA draftees, and embraces the challenge. "It’s a good kind of pressure," she said. "Coach Rald’s system pushes me to grow daily. The team’s patience is helping me transition smoothly from collegiate to pro volleyball."

Supporting this blend of youth and international skill is PLDT’s core of seasoned players: captain Kath Arado, the reigning Best Libero of both the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference; middle blockers Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Dell Palomata; along with veterans Kim Fajardo and Kianna Dy providing leadership in playmaking and offense.

This balanced roster, combining experience, height, and youthful enthusiasm, gives PLDT a strategic edge to adapt, defend, and compete at the highest level.

Currently leading Pool A with a 3–1 record, the High Speed Hitters are focused on translating their preseason success into a championship victory. Coach Ricafort emphasized the team’s commitment: "Fans can expect us to give our best every training, every game. This conference is tough, but we’ll keep pushing and working hard to deliver the kind of volleyball our supporters deserve."

With a revitalized lineup, strong momentum, and a loyal fan base, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are not merely pursuing wins—they are building a legacy.

Stay updated on the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ journey throughout the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference via Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.