PLDT ends perfect preseason prep and gets to touch lives of fans as well

PLDT may have played a different format in what was supposed to be its title defense of the PVL On Tour, but the High Speed Hitters were pleased to win both games and meet fans from different provinces before beginning their season in the Invitational Conference starting Aug. 31.

PLDT fended off Akari, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, to end its preseason campaign on a high note on Saturday at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Nortem as the two-time PVL champion High Speed Hitters had a perfect On Tour stint after also beating Choco Mucho in four sets in Vigan City last July 25.

Article continues after this advertisement

The chance to see their fans in Isabela, the original venue of the Choco Mucho game, last week, didn’t happen because of foul weather. And that is the only regret the High Speed Hitters have in this offseason.

“It would’ve been nice to play in the Isabela leg, but at least in our final On Tour game, we achieved our goal of improving from our game against Choco Mucho,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino. “Credit to Akari, especially in that set when they refused to give up.

“I kept telling our players that there’s really no room for complacency,” he went on. “We’re happy that we bounced back in the fourth set and got the win.”

The High Speed Hitters won their maiden championship in the PVL during last year’s On Tour. But a pure preseason showdown was implemented this year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Ricafort and his wards understood the situation and still took every preseason game like a regular one as they prepare for a new season.

“It’s not really something we have control over, whether it continues as a regular conference or not,” he said. “Some teams were affected because they had players with Alas Pilipinas, so their lineups were incomplete.

“That’s just how our calendar worked out this time,” Ricafort continued. “At least we have the Invitationals to look forward to, and I’m sure that won’t be easy to win. We’ll prepare well and hopefully (play well) there.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Savi Davison, who led the High Speed Hitters with 22 points on 19 kills, two blocks and an ace, while adding 13 excellent receptions and nine digs, enjoyed her chance to visit other provinces and touch the lives of the fans.

“I think it’s just being able to adapt in other places,” said the Filipino-Canadian hitter. “I know for us, it’s hard because there are so many fans and so much support here. There’s also a lot of support in Manila, but it’s not the same here since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to come see us.

“So, it’s really about making adjustments point by point and set by set,” she said. “I’m just happy that we were able to keep adjusting and get the win.” INQ