Mika Reyes of the PLDT High Speed Hitters hoped that the ongoing 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League could be a redemption for them after a disappointing quarterfinals exit in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Reyes, who had 11 points in their 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 victory against Australia’s Queensland Pirates, admitted that they are using their heartbreak in the local league as motivation to perform better in the continental club tournament.

“Of course, we’re very grateful for this opportunity kasi hindi naman din lahat nabibigyan ng chance na ganito – lalo na AVC pa ‘to. So coming to this tournament, very excited din kami kahit na ganun ‘yung nangyari sa PVL namin na parang may isa pa kaming chance na ma-redeem ‘yung sarili namin. The fact na naka-join kami dito, magandang opportunity na rin,” she said after their victory.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters were not originally included in the tournament. Fortunately for them, Japan’s NEC Red Rockets withdrew from the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League since the 2024–25 SV.League is still ongoing.

Playing in their home country, Reyes could not hide her happiness as the team also received support from volleyball fans who were originally supporting rival clubs Creamline Cool Smashers and Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League.

She ended, “Siguro mas masaya lang maglaro ngayon dito siya sa Manila ginawa, so makakanood pa rin ‘yung family and friends namin. ‘Yung support from everyone na hindi lang, I mean kung iko-compare ko kasi sa PVL, syempre ‘yung support ng Creamline, ng Petro Gazz, sinusuportahan din nila kami so we’re very happy of course.”

Savi Davison Finds a Partner in Wilma Salas

Leading the High Speed Hitters in their dominating victory is Savi Davison with 14 points, eight excellent digs, and three excellent receptions. For her, who has been playing for the High Speed Hitters for the past two years, having Salas by her side relieved some of the pressure she has been feeling. Salas added 10 points in eight attacks.

She said, “And obviously, welcoming Wilma and trying to build that chemistry that we didn’t have prior, so I’m glad that we did have that time to prepare for the AVC because it’s gonna be pretty difficult in the upcoming games. It’s nice not to have that ‘I must score’ feeling all the time and just set the pace on my own, in terms of how I play. Just focus on other things and help the team entirely.”

With Salas by her side, Davison admitted that she thought of focusing on defense this time around, something she didn’t think of in the PVL.

She ended, “I think in this last game, I think midway through the game, I told myself I just wanted to focus more on defense and passing. Typically, that’s not something that really goes through my mind in the PVL, it’s usually towards offense.”

For Salas, this may be the first time she would be playing alongside the High Speed Hitters, but she already had experience playing in front of Filipinos. She was the import of the Petro Gazz Angels for the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

“I’m so happy for my comeback here in the Philippines. This time, I play for PLDT. I feel so happy because I feel like it’s family with this team. Incredible girls, super coach. Nothing more to say about this because I feel like I’m home here. The difference is like nothing. It’s only about the coach, a different coach, a different approach, go more. The coach is a good person, the girls are good persons. I think it’s like the same. Nothing much of a difference, really,” she ended.