JUST LIKE STARTING OVER
PLDT’s championship streak has made it the team to beat heading into the PVL Reinforced Conference, but for Russian import Anastasia Bavykina, it’s all about what lies ahead—not what’s been won.
“I know that they won the last tournament and I hope that we will be champions again,” said the 33-year-old outside hitter, as she gears up to lead the High Speed Hitters’ title defense when the season opens on Tuesday at Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
PLDT is fresh off back-to-back perfect runs in the PVL on Tour and Invitational Conference. But with the playing field now reinforced by a mix of elite imports and rising locals, coach Rald Ricafort insists their approach remains humble.
“Going for a three-peat isn’t really our goal,” Ricafort said in Filipino. “It’s a new conference, a new competition. We’re taking it day by day, starting over.”
Still, the High Speed Hitters are stacked. Bavykina joins a core that includes Invitational MVP Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Kath Arado, Dell Palomata and Alleiah Malaluan. The 6-foot-2 Russian has quickly meshed with her teammates and is eager to contribute.
“I want to help my team score a lot of attacks and blocks, and maybe get a lot of points from service,” she said. “It feels very good. I like my team. I’m very happy to be here.”
Anything but easy
Ricafort sees Bavykina’s arrival as deepening what was already a strong bench.
“In the past two conferences, that depth was one of our strengths. Now with an import added, hopefully that helps us even more,” he said.
The road to another crown, however, is anything but easy.
Creamline remains a major threat despite the absence of Jia De Guzman, who remains with Alas Pilipinas. The Cool Smashers will bank on American Coco Schwan to lead the charge.
Akari, last year’s Reinforced runnerup, returns with import Annie Mitchem and new setter Mars Alba. Debuting squad Capital1 features top pick Bella Belen and Ukrainian spiker Oleksandra Bytsenko.
Chery Tiggo will have Mylene Paat back alongside Cuban Yunieska Batista. Choco Mucho added American Marlee Smith. Farm Fresh has Belgian ace Helene Rousseaux, while ZUS Coffee tapped Anna DeBeer.
Petro Gazz welcomes new coach Gary Van Sickle and brings back 2022 Best Import Lindsey Vander Weide. Jelena Cvijovic returns with a young Galeries team. Nxled turns to Spanish outside Paola Martinez, and Cignal hopes Greek attacker Eva Chantava makes an impact.
“Everyone looks solid—not just because of the imports, but also the locals. Everyone’s improved,” Ricafort said.
The tournament follows last year’s format: 12 teams split into two groups, with crossover matches between tiers. The top eight teams advance to a knockout playoff format that ends in a championship game.
