With the brand new yr and season, the PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters have a major new alternative to show they belong on the prime.
PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters at PVL AFC 2026
Following their fourth-place end within the final convention, the Excessive Pace Hitters intention not simply to take part within the upcoming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Convention however to revive their champion identification. They plan to take action with a commanding sweep towards the multi-titlist Creamline Cool Smashers, adopted by a four-set win over the Bella Belen-led Capital1 Photo voltaic Spikers.
Fueling the hearth
For the Excessive Pace Hitters, almost reaching the rostrum final yr wasn’t a failure; it served as a wake-up name.
“Final season was very difficult,” stated Coach Rald Ricafort. “Although we didn’t attain our closing objective, the staff discovered so much. We’re working exhausting this pre-season to enhance and hopefully attain our objective once more this convention.”
Staff captain Kath Arado shares this view, mentioning that the staff’s eagerness to get well is clearly evident amongst all members.
“Gustong makabawi ulit. Tingin ko, ito pa din yung mindset ng bawat isa samin particularly naging maganda yung coaching namin sa Japan at maraming kaming bagong natutunan individually and as a staff,” she shared. “Tinitignan namin na one sport at a time dahil halos lahat ng staff ay lumakas.”
The Japan connection
To prepared themselves for the calls for of the All-Filipino Convention, the Excessive Pace Hitters traveled to Japan for coaching. The expertise went past bodily conditioning, serving as a masterclass within the “Japanese manner”—emphasizing velocity, self-discipline, and excellent fundamentals.
“Philippine volleyball nonetheless has a protracted solution to go,” Coach Rald noticed. “We noticed youngsters from elementary to school having the identical consistency and self-discipline that we intention to undertake. We wish to play good and be as mentally resilient as attainable.”
The journey reminded the gamers that success isn’t solely based mostly on power but additionally requires persistence.
“Lagi itong nagiging paalala,” added Arado. “Maraming pagkakataon na din kasi na sa kagustuhan namin matapos na yung sport at makabawi agad, mas nahihirapan pa kami as a substitute na mas makuha yung panalo. Ako as a captain, dapat sakin magsimula na wag madaliin ang paglalaro. Na dapat kami yung mag-set ng tempo na acquainted kami at makakapag-execute ng maayos na play.”
A brand new edge within the center
The thrill grows with the addition of center blocker Seth Rodriguez. A former teammate of Arado on the College of the East, Rodriguez presents the staff the mix of peak and energetic play it wants, significantly as key gamers like Dell Palomata play overseas.
“I believe my optimism and my ‘pagiging palaban’ (competitiveness) yung madadala ko sa staff,” Rodriguez says of her transition. “Andun pa po ako sa adjustment stage, attempting to maintain up sa stable na system ng staff. However my teammates all the time assist me they usually ensure that na makasabay po ako sa system na meron sila.”
Arado is assured that her previous buddy shall be a pillar for PLDT. “Yung blockings niya siguro talaga yung sasandalan namin tsaka yung competitiveness niya sa court docket na ‘pag nabigyan siya ng pagkakataon, ibibigay niya yung 100% niya para makatulong sa staff.”
Because of this and the coaching expertise in Japan, followers shouldn’t anticipate the standard Excessive Pace Hitters. This iteration of PLDT focuses on being extra technical, disciplined, and notably faster.
“Hopefully, followers will discover a extra technical strategy when it comes to executing expertise,” Ricafort says. “We intention to play constant, good, and resilient volleyball.”
For Rodriguez, the message to the supporters is straightforward: “PLDT followers, thanks sa pagtanggap sakin. Please proceed to help us lalo na sa mga upcoming video games namin this season.”
Because the PVL All-Filipino Convention heats up, the PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters should not solely competing for factors but additionally in search of redemption. With their namesake’s swift tempo, they’re decided to assert the championship.
Catch each second of the PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters’ journey within the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Convention by following them on Instagram, Fb, X, and TikTok to remain linked to the motion. For the very best expertise, stream video games in HD through PLDT House’s high-speed fiber web.
Images courtesy of PVL
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