MVP Magic: PLDT High Speed Hitters' Standouts Shine Bright in the PVL

Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

The PLDT High Speed Hitters are expected to be a much more formidable club in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with three former MVPs, a Filipino-Canadian sophomore who is a scoring machine, and a group of dependable backup players. The volleyball team backed by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan is the center of attention ahead of the league's inauguration on February 20, when it takes on 11 other teams to begin the greatest volleyball action in the Philippines of 2024.

The outstanding trio of Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, and 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter) and Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter) lead the squad.

They were all once members of the national team and became well-known whilst playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in college. Along with additional individual accolades and silver finishes, they each own three UAAP gold medals.

Savannah Davison is seen as a serious threat on the court during her debut campaign in which she led the PVL in scoring. By the end of the eliminations, she had scored 202 points with 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces.

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ new skipper Kath Arado; prized recruits - Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, and Kianna Dy; and Fil-Canadian outside hitter Savannah Davidson

While earning her MBA at the University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business and her biochemistry degree at New Mexico State University, Davison participated in Division 1 and national competitions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States.

As she assumes the new position of captain, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado uses her mobility and accuracy to control the team's backcourt defense. A multi-awarded UAAP libero as well, she heads a group of veterans and previous members of the national squad that includes UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Sammonte, as well as 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata. The squad is completed by Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and two excellent players from Far Eastern University, Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo.

PLDT High Speed Hitters coaching staff

We can't wait for volleyball matches to start up again in February. We are here to help the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season as we always have. Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, added, "We also hope to give a more thrilling experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team."

Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, Ervin Peralta, and PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog lead the coaching staff. The person in charge of the team's conditioning and strength is Paolo Escaño.

MVPs meet the MVP

The PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan, paid the PLDT High Speed Hitters a courtesy call at the company's Makati City headquarters a few days prior to the start of the new season.

"The objective is to have as many volleyball players from the Philippines compete for our country in international competitions, possibly even the Olympics. To help make this happen, we will keep collaborating with partner leagues and organizations. Of course, our team is where the job starts. We hope they keep giving it their all on the court because they make us incredibly proud," Pangilinan remarked.

Fans of volleyball can follow the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.