Kath Arado’s historic Finals MVP run proves liberos can be championship stars

For most of her career, Kath Arado has been known as one of the PVL’s most reliable defenders. But in the 2025 Invitational Conference, the 27-year-old libero redefined what her position could mean to a championship team — and made history in the process.

Arado, named both Best Libero and Finals MVP, became the first defensive specialist to ever earn the award in PVL history, proving that defense can indeed win championships.

 Her impenetrable floor coverage steadied PLDT as they toppled Kobe Shinwa University, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, to clinch their second title in two weeks.

Against the Japanese guest team, Arado was relentless — tallying 22 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions. It wasn’t just numbers on the stat sheet; it was momentum-shifting defense that turned rallies in PLDT’s favor.

 Even she was stunned that a libero could earn such an honor.

Veteran libero Kath Arado of the PLDT High Speed Hitters made history as the first-ever Finals MVP awardee in the PVL.

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— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 1, 2025

“Actually, yung Finals MVP hindi ko talaga alam na meron pa lang ganon na libero pwede mag Finals MVP. Happy at the same time parang proud sa team kasi ang layo ng pinagdaanan,” said Arado, who had endured several heartbreaking conferences before finally enjoying this golden stretch.

For Arado, the recognition is shared with her coaches and teammates. “Thankful lang din na sila (coaches) yung nakasama ko kasi nga yung pasensya nila sa akin na i-feed nang i-feed, yun din yung nagiging successful kaya hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin ako naglalaro,” said Arado, crediting head coach Rald Ricafort and staff for their belief in her.

The former University of the East standout also pointed to the collective effort that carried PLDT, with Conference MVP Savi Davison dropping 20 points, Kianna Dy adding 17, and rookie Alleiah Malaluan and PVL On Tour Finals MVP Mika Reyes chipping in double-digit markers.

“Siguro din kasi kumportable ako sa mga kasama ko, yung walang filter yung ginagalaw ko, walang hesitation, kasi alam nila kung paano ako maglaro. 

Alam ko rin paano sila maglaro, so nagko-complement lang yung mga players to each other, kaya siguro name-maintain at hinihigitan ko yung every game talaga,” the five-time best libero, Arado added.

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