For the better part of the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, PLDT’s offense revolved around the gravity-defying spikes and all-around brilliance of Fil-Canadian star Savi Davison. Her absence in the PVL On Tour could have left a gaping hole in the High Speed Hitters’ campaign.
Instead, it has been a source of motivation.
With Davison still unavailable and Dell Palomata and Alleiah Malaluan also out due to national team commitments, PLDT has not only survived — they’ve flourished. After three match days in Pool A, the High Speed Hitters remain unbeaten, showcasing a newfound depth and balance that’s quickly turning heads in the preseason circuit.
Their latest statement win came against powerhouse Choco Mucho, a 25-22, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 triumph at the buzzing Capital Arena over the weekend. It was the culmination of a flawless run in Ilagan, where they earlier dispatched Farm Fresh and Petro Gazz with equal tenacity.
“Siguro yung mindset lang talaga namin na since wala yung heavy scorer namin, kailangan talagang manggaling sa lahat. Credit din kay Kim ito kasi siya naman nagdidistribute ng bola,” said head coach Rald Ricafort, pointing to the impact of veteran setter Kim Fajardo, who’s orchestrated a seamless, spread-out offense in Davison’s absence.
That offensive variety has been the key. Against Petro Gazz, five players scored at least eight points. Against Choco Mucho, five High Speed Hitters breached double figures — a testament to Fajardo’s command and the team’s shared hunger.
Kianna Dy and Jovie Prado poured in 15 points apiece, Kiesha Bedonia and Majoy Baron each tallied 14, while the ever-reliable Mika Reyes chipped in 10. It wasn’t just about putting up numbers — it was about stepping into the void and owning the moment.
“Siguro kailangan lang din namin magtiwala sa isa’t isa kasi ayaw naman namin magdepend,” said Reyes, a pillar in the middle for PLDT. “Kumbaga, malaking tulong pag nandiyan si Savi, but then again ayaw namin magdepend sa kanya lang.”
Her sentiments echoed the mood within the team.
“Challenge din ito sa amin since last conference siya yung highest scorer namin pero this time, lahat nakakapagcontribute and maganda rin talaga yung teamwork ng bawat isa,” Reyes added.
That team-first identity has become the rallying cry. Baron, who turned back six Choco Mucho attacks at the net, pointed to how the players have leaned into each other's strengths — and found synergy.
“Ako kasi tiwala talaga ako sa mga kasama ko kasi bawat isa parang meron talagang specialty eh,” said the two-time UAAP Best Blocker. “So nawork namin yun as a group and lumalabas talaga yung teamwork namin sa loob.”
Indeed, the chemistry is showing.
Ricafort, now in his second full season with the squad, has taken a pragmatic approach to Davison’s extended absence. Rather than waiting for reinforcements, he’s doubled down on the players at hand — and it’s paying off.
“Totoo hindi pa talaga sigurado (ang dating ni Savi) pero kung dumating, dagdag na tulong,” he said. “Pero for now, nakafocus kami sa ginagamit namin.”
