Reigning PVL On Tour champions PLDT reset, recharged, and refocused for the 2026 preseason series.

After a challenging and intense campaign in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference 2026, the PLDT High Speed Hitters earned a significant milestone by securing their first-ever bronze medal in a regular season, marking a proud moment in the team’s history. Celebrating this hard-won achievement, the players took a well-earned break to rest and rejuvenate. With their spirits lifted and their bodies recovering from the exertions of the competition, the squad transitioned from their team jerseys to comfortable attire, gearing up for what lies ahead in their journey.

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

Off the court, on the couch

PLDT demonstrated a journey characterized by grit, composure, and resilience, allowing them to stand tall against top-tier rivals. So, before the PVL On Tour exhibition matches, how did a team known for its high-speed play manage to slow down?

Head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized that the break was about maintaining balance. “We place great importance on balancing the effort we invest since the pre-season with the rest required after each conference,” he stated.

While Coach Ricafort admits he stays active in pickleball and tennis, he’s a self-proclaimed homebody at heart who uses that 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 highlights the significance of regularly checking in on one’s mental and emotional well-being. “It’s a time for self-realization,” she mentioned. When she’s not staying active, she enjoys spending time with family or watching travel-themed 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 and do light movement like walking and stretching,” she explained. When she’s not resting, she’s rewatching One Piece, inspired by the loyalty and personalities of the characters on screen.

Off the court, architect Jessey De Leon turns to the arts during 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

PLDT High Speed Hitters 2026 recruits.

With the recovery phase now complete, the High Speed Hitters return to the court with a stronger lineup. Last year, they secured their first PVL championship at On Tour, winning convincingly with an undefeated record. This victory marked a significant turnaround, following previous heartbreaks in 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 at 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 prepare for the next challenge is to truly unplug at home,” Ordiales noted. “I love keeping it simple – good food, family time, and catching up on the series I’ve missed during the season.”

Adding to the squad’s youth and energy is rookie Fianne Ariola. A standout setter for 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. “Right now, recovery is all about staying relaxed, binge-watching my favorite shows, and mentally preparing for the work ahead.”

Fellow Lady Altas alumna and former Galeries Tower Highrisers player Winnie Bedaña also joins PLDT with great 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 however I can,” she said.

Completing the team’s preseason recruitment is outside hitter Joan Monares. As the former volleyball team captain at the University of the Philippines, Monares brings leadership and 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 getting good rest whenever I can 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 have recently said goodbye to setter Anj Legacion and middle blocker Zeth Perolino. However, with the leadership of experienced and multi-awarded veterans like Kath Arado, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Kim Kianna Dy, among others, this roster change points to an even more competitive future 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.

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