PLDT stays grounded despite rise to top of PVL All-Filipino standings

Sitting alone at the top of the standings could easily tempt a team to start looking ahead.

But for Rald Ricafort, staying grounded remains the priority as the PLDT High Speed Hitters continue their impressive run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

PLDT currently holds a 6-1 record with only two matches left in the preliminary round, putting the High Speed Hitters in a strong position to secure a place in the league’s four-team qualifying round. A single victory in their remaining games would be enough to clinch that opportunity, where an outright semifinals berth will be on the line.

Despite the favorable scenario, Ricafort has made it clear he wants his squad to stay away from unnecessary attention and expectations.

“Wini-wish namin na umabot kami ng top 4, pero para isipin pa namin, parang dagdag pressure pa, dagdag hype na naman na hindi naman kailangan,” said Ricafort.

“Kung ano ‘yung next na kalaban namin, dapat du’n lang mag-focus.”

It’s a mindset that mirrors Ricafort’s approach during PLDT’s championship surge last season, when the team quietly built momentum before eventually claiming titles in the PVL on Tour and the Invitational Conference.

For the coach, consistency and focus remain far more important than standings at this stage of the tournament.

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TOP SPEED

Kim Fajardo and the PLDT High Speed Hitters power past the Galeries Tower Highrisers to claim the solo lead in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference preliminaries!#PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/OfnQMSBqNP

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 10, 2026

The current format of the conference also demands that teams remain sharp. Even after meeting in the preliminary round, squads could face each other again later in the competition, meaning every game can serve as preparation for a potential rematch.

“At the same time, hindi porket nakalaban na namin, kakalimutan na namin ‘yung mga natutunan dahil may chance na makalaban namin sila ulit kaya every game ay very important pa rin,” he added.

PLDT still faces two crucial tests to close the elimination round, beginning with a clash against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans before taking on the Nxled Chameleons.

Both matches carry weight as the High Speed Hitters aim to secure their spot in the next phase of the tournament while keeping their rhythm intact heading into the more demanding rounds.

Ricafort, however, prefers that his players keep their focus on the immediate challenge rather than the bigger picture.

“‘Yung feeling, hindi nga ‘yung malapit na matapos ‘yung elims kasi ang bibigat pa ng remaining games namin,” said Ricafort.

“Sabi nga namin sa players, mahirap nga tumingin nang sobrang layo at one game at a time lang talaga. Happy kami na nairaos namin ‘to ngayon kasi sabak agad ulit kami sa Sabado.”

For PLDT, the message is clear: the standings may look good, but the real work is far from over.

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