High Speed Hitters’ added firepower boosting team’s PVL Reinforced quest

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.

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.

Bavykina joins Invitational Conference MVP Savi Davison to establish one of the league’s most lethal outside tandems. Coach Rald Ricafort credits Bavykina for shoring up crucial gaps, bringing experience and veteran leadership to the High Speed Hitters’ bid for a historic three-peat.

“Anastasiia’s receiving, blocking, serving, and defense skills compliment the starters well. We don’t need another scoring machine. We need a veteran who could hold the team together, and a stable presence that can support the team’s high-level performance,” said Ricafort of Bavykina, who debuted in the PVL against the Capital1 Solar Spikers with 10 spikes, 2 service aces, and 10 excellent receives; and then registered a conference-high record of 18 points against Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend.

The High Speed Hitters’ acquisition of the foreign phenom is also seamlessly woven into a strong local foundation.

Last June, before acquiring the foreign phenom in Bavykina, PLDT secured two promising college standouts to inject youth and hunger into the rotation: De La Salle University power hitter Alleiah Malaluan and Enderun College middle blocker Zenneth Perolino, bringing championship pedigree and agility to the roster.

“Our goal is to become champions and build a stronger connection with one another. For me, a successful campaign means reaching our goals – both individually and as a team,” said Malaluan, who went to school at De La Salle for 15 years. She made three UAAP seniors finals appearances wearing green and white, with the Season 85 title as the highlight.

“This conference, fans can expect me to be a dependable teammate – a good support system, a helping hand, and someone who’s always ready to step up whenever and wherever the team needs me,” she added.

Among the first non-UAAP or NCAA players selected in the PVL Draft, Perolino is thrilled to be a rookie under Coach Ricafort’s belt.

“It’s a good kind of pressure,” she said. “As a rookie, I know there is nothing to lose but more to gain. Playing in a new system and coaching style has helped me unlock more of my potential. The team helped me adjust to the new environment, switching from playing in collegiate to the professional league. They’ve been very understanding and patient with me.”

Bavykina, Malaluan, and Perolino join a tested core featuring team captain-libero Kath Arado (PVL On Tour Best Libero and Invitational Conference Best Libero and Finals MVP); the imposing middle blocker trio of Mika Reyes (PVL On Tour Finals MVP), Majoy Baron (PVL On Tour Best Middle Blocker), and Dell Palomata (national team member and AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup Best Middle Blocker); and multi-awarded setter Kim Fajardo and opposite spiker Kianna Dy.

Blending veteran wisdom, youthful energy, and overall efficient play creates a balanced lineup primed for sustained success. Armed with new speed and size, PLDT is setting its sights on making the 2025 Reinforced Conference the capstone of a PVL grand slam season. The team currently leads the PVL Pool A standings at 3 wins and 1 loss.

“Fans can expect the team to always give their best every training, every game. It proves to be a very difficult conference, so wealways give our all,” said Ricafort. “Thank you so much for always supporting us. From the ups and downs, to winning the back-to-back championship. Please continue supporting us this conference and we promise to work hard and give our all every game!”

Support the PLDT High Speed Hitters on their journey at the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference 2025. Know more about the team by following them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

Volleyball photo credits: Premier Volleyball League