THE HIGH SPEED HITTERS

The PLDT High Speed Hitters have put a painful loss behind them. --PHOTOS BY PVL IMAGES

A little of the old, a little of the new.

With a returning scorer flashing her old form and a rising setter filling in for absent stars, PLDT showed it was ready to move on from a painful exit that ended its previous season in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The High Speed Hitters’ 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22 victory over the Nxled Chameleons in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday became a platform for rookie Angelica Alcantara, who had the pressure-filled task of filling in for veteran playmakers Kim Fajardo and Rhea Dimaculangan.

Considering the pedigree of the decommissioned PLDT stars, it was a wonder how Alcantara acquitted herself.

“I just accepted the responsibility [with an open heart],” Alcantara said in Filipino.

Setter Kim Fajardo (right) continues to sit on the injured list, along with Kim Kianna Dy.

Of course, as Rald Ricafort jokingly put it, “She doesn’t have a choice.”

“I also thought to myself that it’s my time to step up,” the 23-year-old setter said after tossing 13 excellent sets to effectively anchor an offense that saw five High Speed Hitters finishing in twin digits in scoring.

Right path

Among those who Alcantara astutely activated was Savi Davison, who returned from a six-month layoff triggered by a knee surgery. Davison showed very little signs of rust and finished with a team-best 19 points.

“I’m super grateful with how this whole process turned out with me being able to play so early,” said Davison, who had 19 kills and nine excellent receptions.

The win put PLDT on the right path as it seeks to bounce back from a controversial exit that ended its stint in the previous season.

The team was booted out of the import-laced conference following a contentious net fault in its five-set loss to Akari in the semifinals.

With the High Speed Hitters at match point, the PLDT coaching staff called for a net fault video challenge on the Chargers’ Ezra Madrigal, which was deemed unsuccessful after a lengthy discussion by tournament officials, who gave the point to the Chargers.

Akari knotted the game at 14 and went on to secure the win.

“We all kind of have a chip on our shoulder,” Davison said. “But regardless of what happened last conference, I think we’re just working hard to enter that podium spot, and that’s our main goal moving forward.”

Fajardo is still recovering after going under the knife for a knee injury. The newlywed Dimaculangan, meanwhile, took time off to focus first on her family.

The High Speed Hitters welcomed back Anj Legacion, who played two conferences with Farm Fresh, but Ricafort still opted to take a risk on the younger setter.

“From the Draft, we didn’t get anyone who will just be an addition to our roster. We know the roles that our recruits will fulfill so we’re happy that Angge (Alcantara’s nickname) started well so hopefully she becomes consistent all throughout,” Ricafort said.

‘Secret’

“I am thankful for the trust of coach to me and I just embraced my role and focused on the job,” Alcantara said.

Majoy Baron delivered 14 points, half of which were blocks while Erika Santos finished with 15 points from 11 attacks, three blocks and an ace.

Fiola Ceballos added 13 points, four of which were aces while Dell Palomata returned from her national team duties with 10 points.

Asked if he will continue banking on Alcantara for the rest of the lengthy conference, Ricafort tried to downplay the responsibility he put on the rookie’s shoulders.

“It should be a secret,” the coach said, laughing. “But in our preparations, we practiced in a way that both [Alcantara and Legacion] will be ready, to be the main setters.”

“Regardless of who will be put inside first, it shouldn’t make a difference—they should be able to deliver.”

Alcantara is up for the challenge.

“I will continue to work, especially the skills and decision-making,” she said.

And so is Davison, who is eager to test herself against the top squads of the tournament.

“I’m actually excited to face all of them. There’s been a lot of changes in the PVL and I’m excited to see kinda how things turn out with coaches, new players, etc. I can’t really say that there’s one kind of team to look forward to,” said Davison. “Obviously, the top teams, Choco Mucho and Creamline are always a good fight, but regardless, every team’s gonna come with everything that they have, so everything’s gonna be competitive.”