Hard road led PLDT to bronze as Rald Ricafort highlights grit in tough season 

It wasn’t the ending they initially chased, but for PLDT, the road to bronze in the PVL All-Filipino Conference became a defining chapter shaped by resilience and survival in what head coach Rald Ricafort described as one of the toughest fields in recent memory.

The High Speed Hitters closed their campaign the hard way, overpowering the Farm Fresh Foxies in a grueling five-set duel, 25-14, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-5, to sweep their best-of-three bronze series. 

It was their second straight five-set victory over the Foxies, underscoring not just depth but a growing identity as a team that thrives under pressure.

For Ricafort, the bronze medal represented more than a podium finish. It was validation of growth after falling short in the semifinal round. 

“Napakalakas ng lahat ng kalaban, lalo this conference. Napakalakas na nagbalikan ‘yung mga national team [members] at naka-merge nila ‘yung ibang teams,” Ricafort said.

PLDT entered the playoffs as one of the favorites after finishing the elimination round on top with a 7-2 record. But the semifinals proved unforgiving, as the High Speed Hitters stumbled to a 1-2 slate and were pushed to the brink before even reaching the battle for bronze.

What followed was a pair of physically and mentally taxing wins. PLDT not only secured the series but reinforced its dominance over the Foxies, winning 10 of their 11 meetings in the 2026 All-Filipino conference, including all three five-set encounters.

“Napakahirap. ‘Yun nga, hindi man namin nakuha ‘yung pinaka-goal na mag-Finals, pero ibibigay ko sa players ang commendation na nilaban ’to kahit papaano. Thankful kami, milestone pa rin na nakuha namin ‘yung third this time. Napakahirap nitong ginagawa namin, at least kahit papaano nakuha namin ‘yung bronze,” the veteran coach said.

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‘IT DIDN’T COME EASY, BUT IT FELT REALLY GOOD’

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, key players Kianna Dy and Savi Davison reflect on a bronze medal finish in the #PVL2026 All-Filipino Conference, seeing the silver linings despite missing the Finals. | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/GgEsFD1h5B

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) April 23, 2026

The final match showcased PLDT’s balance. Libero Kath Arado anchored the defense with 28 excellent digs and 21 receptions, even chipping in a point to earn Best Player of the Game honors along with her sixth Best Libero Award in the PVL.

At the net, Kim Kianna Dy powered through with 21 points, highlighted by six blocks, while Savi Davison delivered across all fronts with 20 points and 10 digs.

Meanwhile, Farm Fresh leaned on Trisha Tubu’s 23 points, with Ces Molina adding 12 and support from Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Royse Tubino, who contributed nine points each—but ultimately fell short in the decisive fifth set.

Beyond the numbers, Ricafort pointed to a deeper takeaway: cohesion remains a work in progress, even for a team that just reached its best finish.

“Marami pang kailangang makilala sa isa’t isa. Happy ako na kahit papaano may natuntong kami this conference,” he said. 

In a season defined by parity, returning stars, and reshaped rosters, PLDT didn’t just survive—it adapted. And in doing so, the High Speed Hitters turned what could have been a disappointment into a benchmark for what they can build on next.

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