Throughout their time in the PVL, the PLDT High Speed Hitters have known nothing but heartbreak, having missed the podium in their first 10 conferences since joining the league in 2021. Over that span, they placed fourth thrice—in the 2022 Invitational, 2023 First All-Filipino Conference, and 2024 Reinforced Conference—but never medaled, even with great players like Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron leading the squad.
Things, though, appear to have changed, and now PLDT is looking like a team ready to write a dominant next chapter to its PVL history. PLDT’s fortunes took an about-face in the PVL On Tour, where the High Speed Hitters not only earned a podium finish, but actually bagged the title with a five-set escape act versus the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the finale.
But the High Speed Hitters didn’t just win the PVL On Tour, they dominated, too, going unbeaten and sweeping four of the seven matches they played. They also survived the Creamline Cool Smashers in the semis—an impressive accomplishment in and of itself, given Creamline’s championship pedigree and longstanding status as the team to beat. Now, in the 2025 PVL Invitational, PLDT is back in the finals after going unbeaten its its first four matches.
So, what happened? Why have the High Speed Hitters suddenly emerged as a true title contender?
High Speed Hitters Get Healthy
PLDT has had to deal with injuries to key players recently, notably Reyes, who missed nearly a year due to an injured shoulder, and Kim Dy and Kim Fajardo, who both missed considerable time from the taraflex due to knee problems. Even Savi Davison had to get her surgically repaired knee cleaned in late 2024.
Now, it’s looking like the High Speed Hitters have finally gotten a clean bill of health, and the results speak for themselves.
High Speed Hitters Lean on Talent, Depth, and Balance
When it all boils down to it, PLDT’s talent up and down its roster is undeniable. In fact, an argument could be made that, top to bottom, the High Speed Hitters are arguably the most talented team in the PVL today—and that includes perennial champs Creamline. Davison is the head of the pack, obviously, and she’s unquestionably one of the league’s best.
But she’s got plenty of help at PLDT, starting with the La Salle Lady Archers connection of Dy, Baron, Fajardo, and Reyes. Baron and Reyes, in particular, have been spectacular manning the net for PLDT, while Fajardo has been masterful in setting up Davison, Dy, and all the weapons she has at her disposal. Add the always steady Kath Arado, and the High Speed Hitters boast a superb balance of explosive offense and sturdy defense.
Rookie Alleiah Malaluan has been a pleasant surprise as well for PLDT, who can dig even deeper and field contributors like Jessey de Leon, Jovie Prado, and Angelica Legacion. And don’t forget about Alas Pilipinas Women standout Dell Palomata, who is finally back with the High Speed Hitters after her national team duties.
High Speed Hitters Ride the Wave
Sometimes, all it takes is just one spark. Whatever happened, whenever it happened, and however it happened, something just clicked for PLDT starting in the PVL On Tour to spark this remarkable turn for a team so used to being average. Now, the High Speed Hitters are playing with a palpable certainty and an unquestioned confidence that champions have.
The High Speed Hitters are also playing with that championship poise borne out of finally breaking through and winning a title—and in the most challenging of ways, at that. With this undeniable confidence and poise finally matching that top-notch talent and depth, PLDT is looking poised for back-to-back titles this season, and possibly more in the months and years to come.
They’ve had heartbreaks one too many times already. Now, the High Speed Hitters might be the ones breaking hearts.
