High Speed Rise: How PLDT transformed struggles into a new PVL dynasty

For years, PLDT lived in the shadows of the PVL’s elite. Despite flashes of potential, the High Speed Hitters often found themselves on the outside looking in — competitive but never quite able to break through in the league’s biggest stages. 

Seasons were marked by heartbreak, from near-misses in semifinals to painful collapses against the league’s perennial giants, Creamline and Petro Gazz.

That narrative has now flipped on its head. In a stunning two-week span, PLDT captured back-to-back PVL titles, completing one of the fastest transformations from pretender to champion in league history.

Invitational MVP Savi Davison knows the challenge ahead is even steeper. The High Speed Hitters are no longer hunters — they are the hunted. “The hard part now is just not to get comfortable. A lot of people make it great and then kind of fall off,” said Davison, stressing the grind it will take to stay on top.

 “There’s going to be a lot more sacrifices, a lot more days that we don’t want to show up, but we do, a lot more blood, sweat, and tears… how we can maintain that going forward and how we can thrive from here on out.”

IT WAS WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Exactly one year ago, this PLDT team was on the saddest, deepest end of the emotional spectrum after missing the chance to be in the Finals. pic.twitter.com/5gDzAuhddY

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 31, 2025

Much of this transformation traces back to coach Rald Ricafort, who made the risky move from Petro Gazz to PLDT nearly three years ago. 

At the time, PLDT was seen as a middling squad still searching for an identity. Slowly, with bold roster adjustments and a focus on long-term growth, Ricafort instilled a championship culture.

“Since nung nagkaroon ng movement na lumipat kami ng PLDT, ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung goal nila ever since,” Ricafort recalled.

 “Moving forward, kailangan talaga namin i-face ‘yung conference na kami ‘yung nagugutom pa rin. Wala naman gaanong assurance, lalo na sa future… kaya susulitin talaga namin ‘to.” The three-time PVL champion coach added. 

Now part of an exclusive circle of multi-titled teams alongside Creamline and Petro Gazz, PLDT’s journey from heartbreak kids to history-makers signals the arrival of a new PVL powerhouse. The question is no longer whether the High Speed Hitters can win — but how long they can stay on top.

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