A heartbreaking match solely ignited the athletes’ hearts as they search to bag their first PVL medal
The drum beats on for the PLDT Excessive Velocity Hitters as they shoot to clinch a third-place end within the 2024 PVL Bolstered Convention on Wednesday, September 4. Though not within the championship recreation on the PhilSports Enviornment, Pasig Metropolis, the Excessive Velocity Hitters are dedicated to complete the convention with “puso” ringing via the tip.

PLDT Excessive Velocity Hitters – Fiola Ceballos & Majoy Baron
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed crew misplaced their finals ticket after a heartbreaking 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 15-17 loss towards the Akari Chargers within the knockout semifinal.
“Personally, nahirapan akong tanggapin nung una kasi feeling ko malapit na naming maabot ang objective namin as a crew,” mentioned crew captain Kath Arado. “Pero kahit masakit para sa amin kung ano ang naging consequence ng recreation, pinakita ng crew kung gaano sila ka-professional bilang manlalaro at ka-passionate sa sport. For this, I stay grateful.”

PLDT’s convention stint was the epitome of “puso,” because the crew performed the whole event with out main native scorers in Savi Davison and Kianna Dy – who have been each out because of damage. Regardless of that, the crew made a spirited run to the semifinals, dealing with the undefeated Akari Chargers because the fourth total seed.
The Excessive Velocity Hitters have been near sealing the deal, however breaks of the sport didn’t flip into their favor. They finally fell wanting a finals stint towards powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, dealing with sister crew Cignal HD Spikers for the bronze medal as an alternative.

Puso = energy
“Regardless of these robust instances, we stay dedicated to ending the event. Puso ang ipanlalaban namin,” mentioned Arado. “Mas nanaig pa din yung integrity na gusto naming i-instill sa bawat isa na lalaban kami palagi nang tapat at patas. Dahil para sa akin, dito mas mahuhubog yung loob at isip namin tanggapin ano man ang mangyari at palaging mag-set ng constructive mindset sa mga bagay na mahal namin kagaya ng volleyball.”
Arado, a three-time PVL Greatest Libero, registered 19 wonderful digs of their final match, supporting setter Kim Fajardo’s environment friendly and well-distributed performs. Import Lena Samoilenko led PLDT’s scoresheet at 30 factors, with contributions from Erika Santos (15 pts.), Fiola Ceballos (14 pts.), Majoy Baron (7 pts.), and the returning Mika Reyes (7 pts.).

Though the crew misplaced in deflating trend, the crew stays impressed by the love despatched on social media from the throngs of supporters the crew has and had gained over the previous few days. On Monday night time, X (previously Twitter) noticed “We stand with PLDT” trending in relation to the crew’s ongoing quest.
Combating the nice struggle
Head coach Rald Ricafort shares that the crew could be very a lot impressed by the overwhelming, all-out assist. He intends to make use of it as a serious rallying cry to finish the convention on a excessive observe.
“I simply always remind them who we’re as a crew. That we did every thing the fitting means with goal, integrity, and the expansion mindset na nakatulong sa amin all through the years,” mentioned Ricafort.
“I feel greater than the motivation of getting a podium end, these gamers stay very centered and disciplined. As we pursue a profitable tradition and attempt to assist them attain the following stage, yung focus at disiplina talaga nila ang nagdadala. Additionally they actually belief one another, together with us as coaches,” he added.

Whereas the crew was understaffed, Ricafort was adamant the crew didn’t do something particular to regulate – banking on the belief he had for his wards that they might ship.
“There have been some bumps alongside the way in which, particularly sa mga essential video games na hindi namin nakukuha, however we all know they usually perceive that success doesn’t come simply. That it’s a course of. Nonetheless, I really feel and consider that we’re on the fitting path,” he concluded.
Catch the PLDT Excessive Velocity Hitters’ remaining recreation on the Premier Volleyball League Bolstered Convention on September 2, 4PM on the PhilSports Enviornment, Pasig Metropolis. Keep tuned for updates by following the crew on Instagram, Fb, X, and TikTok.
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