PLDT embraces challenger’s mindset ahead of PVL Reinforced Conference

Two straight titles have put PLDT at the summit of the Premier Volleyball League. Yet for head coach Rald Ricafort, the High Speed Hitters are not entering the Reinforced Conference with a champion’s swagger — but with a challenger’s grit.

“Hindi namin masyadong naiisip eh na champion kami. Ganon pa rin, kami yung naghahabol. Tapos naman na yung naging dalawang tournaments, back to start ulit kami,” said Ricafort, who now owns three PVL crowns, including one with Petro Gazz.

That mindset will be crucial in a conference unlike any other. This time, PLDT won’t just be fending off familiar local rivals. With all 12 teams fielding full rosters — including the return of Alas Pilipinas stars to their clubs and the arrival of high-powered imports — the competition resets to a higher level. 

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BALIK LIFE OF A FANGIRL/FANBOY TAYO

ELDEST DAUGHTER ka man o FATHER FIGURE, it would be actually romantic if you show up at the games and support the PLDT High Speed Hitters! pic.twitter.com/9SMIiyokfR

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) October 4, 2025

The High Speed Hitters already enjoyed the services of Alas standouts Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata in the Invitational Conference, but that tournament featured only six teams. Now, in the Reinforced, Ricafort’s squad welcomes an even bigger addition: Russian national team opposite Anastasiia Bavykina, whose international firepower will be tested against the league’s toughest defenses.

“Yung una, hindi namin goal yung three-peat or anything. Bagong conference, bagong competition, alam namin na mahirap yung magiging conference dito na may Alas at imports,” Ricafort said. 

“Day by day ulit kami, kung saan ulit kami abutin ng hardwork.”PLDT’s bid for a third straight championship begins on October 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where they’ll square off against Capital1, powered by this year’s top rookie pick Bella Belen.

Sharing Pool A with PLDT are Choco Mucho, Cignal, Farm Fresh, and Nxled, setting the stage for an early gauntlet of challenges.

For Ricafort and the High Speed Hitters, the back-to-back triumphs are already history. What matters now is proving once again that they can outwork everyone else — not as the hunted, but as the hunters. 

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