With fresh legs and fresh faces following their bronze finish at the All-FIlipino Conference, the High Speed Hitters look to show their mettle anew in exhibition matches across the Philippines
A podium finish in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference 2026 merited the PLDT High Speed Hitters some well-deserved rest and relaxation. After securing a hard-fought bronze, their first-ever podium place in a regular season, the squad rightfully traded their jerseys for comfort as they recovered for what’s next.
Off the court, on the couch
PLDT showcased a journey defined by grit, composure, and resilience altogether that saw them stand tall against top-tier rivals. So, ahead of the PVL On Tour exhibition matches, how did a team used to playing at such high speed slow down?
For head coach Rald Ricafort, the break was about balance. "We highly prioritize the balance between the work that we put in since the pre-season and the rest needed after every conference," he shared.
While Coach Ricafort himself admits he stays active with pickleball and tennis, he’s a self-proclaimed homebody at heart who uses the time to study new volleyball trends abroad. His current watchlist? "I might try streaming One Piece on Netflix," he said.
The players are equally intentional about their recovery.
Setter Kim Fajardo emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional self-checking. "It’s a time for self-realization," she noted. When she's not staying active, you’ll find her bonding with family or diving into travel-focused shows like Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.
For outside hitter Kiesha Bedonia, the goal is a complete reset of the mind, body, and identity. "We need to prioritize sleep, do light movements like walking and stretching," she explained. When she’s not resting, she’s rewatching One Piece, inspired by the loyalty and personality of the characters on screen.
As an architect off the court, opposite hitter Jessey De Leon looks to the arts for her downtime. "I really enjoy doing creative work whenever I feel inspired – it helps me reset and feel like myself again outside of the sport," she shared. When De Leon is not working on architecture projects or spending time with her pamangkins, she’s practicing the fine art of "bedrotting" – also known as fully recharging, while binge-watching shows like Better Call Saul on Netflix.
Renewed roster
Now that the recovery phase is officially wrapped up, the High Speed Hitters head back to the court with an improved lineup. Last year, the team clinched their first PVL championship at On Tour – one convincingly won with an undefeated tournament record and one that famously followed heartbreaks of past conferences.
For this year’s new On Tour format, PLDT first bolstered its squad with the arrival of Jessa Ordiales. A talented opposite spiker, she’s poised to be another potent frontcourt weapon for Coach Ricafort. Settling into her new home in PLDT, Ordiales emphasizes the importance of a low-key recovery. "Transitioning to a new team is exciting, but I’ve learned that the best way to get ready for the next challenge is to truly unplug at home," Ordiales noted. "I love just keeping it simple – good food, family time, and catching up on the series I’ve missed during the season."
Adding to the youth and energy of the squad is rookie Fianne Ariola. A standout setter from the Perpetual Lady Altas, she was the 8th pick in the first round of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. "Being a rookie in this league is a huge transition, so I’m really making sure I use this time to reset properly," Ariola shared. "Recovery for me right now is all about staying relaxed, binge-watching my favorite shows, and just mentally prepping for the work ahead."
Fellow Lady Altas alumna and former Galeries Tower Highrisers player Winnie Bedaña also enters PLDT with lots of promise. “Joining PLDT is an opportunity I’m truly grateful for. This is a team with a strong winning culture and a passionate organization behind it. I’m excited to learn from my teammates and contribute in any way I can,” she said.
Completing the team’s preseason recruitment is outside hitter Joan Monares. As the University of the Philippines’ former volleyball team captain, Monares brings leadership plus extra firepower to the wings. "Stepping into the pro ranks with a team as competitive as PLDT is definitely a dream come true, but it's also a big adjustment," Monares admitted. "My favorite way to recharge at home is to keep things quiet. I’m a big fan of just getting some good rest whenever I could and finding time to decompress after training. Whether it’s listening to music or just hanging out at home with family, it helps me clear my mind so I can give 100% when I step onto the court for the team."
The High Speed Hitters recently bid farewell to setter Anj Legacion and middle blocker Zeth Perolino. Yet, combined with the leadership of ever-reliable and multi-awarded veterans in Kath Arado, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Kim Kianna Dy among others, the roster shift signals an even more competitive chapter ahead for PLDT.
Catch every spike, save, and celebration at the PVL On Tour 2026. Follow the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok to stay connected to the action.
