The PLDT High Speed Hitters have signed off from the AVC Champions League, but not without a share of lessons.
Even if they bid farewell from the AVC Champions League, the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday made sure to leave an impression in their knockout quarterfinals match against Kazakhstan’s VC Zhetysu at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Zhetysu’s veteran composure and height proved to be a tall order against the High Speed Hitters in the 25-13, 25-22, 25-20 on Thursday, but it wasn’t without PLDT threatening to extend the match in Sets 2 and 3.
After a lethargic opening act, the High Speed Hitters bounced back big-time in Set 2, even managing to level with Zhetysu, 20-20, before the visiting squad went on a 5-2 finishing kick to take a commanding 2-0 set lead.
A similar situation would unfold in Set 3, where a Zhetysu error allowed PLDT to inch closer, 21-20. Unfortunately, this proved to be the last of PLDT’s fight, as another 4-0 spurt by Zhetysu, capped off by a Valeriya Yakutina spike, closed out the match.
“Siguro coming from the Thailand game, naging proud din naman kami sa ginalaw namin, and definitely mas mahirap ‘yung naging game today. Nakita naman din na, kumbaga, ‘yung mga ganoong six-footer na average, masyadong mabigat para samin,” head coach Rald Ricafort said post-game.
“Hindi naman siya excuse, and ‘yung exposure naman ‘yung hinahanap namin. Pero ‘yun nga, happy kami na nakapaglaro kami dito.”
Savi Davison led PLDT’s final stand with 13 points and nine digs, along with import Wilma Salas who added 11 markers and six digs. Dell Palomata also played her best game of the tournament as she finished with seven points, while Kath Arado held down the floor with 17 excellent digs.
Even Zhetysu head coach Marko Grisic was left impressed by PLDT’s stand against his squad, admitting how he was barely surprised at how the High Speed Hitters rebounded from a lethargic first set.
“Yes, you are right, but we watched the last game of PLDT. After they overcame a two-set deficit against the Thailand team, we already knew that they would not give up. So we were really ready for them since they played very, very brave in that performance,” Grisic said.
Learning experience
Without a doubt, playing in the Champions League brings about valuable lessons for PLDT, who will look to snap their streak of “almost but not quite” conferences when they return to action in the PVL.
For her part, Davison admitted her struggles against Zhetysu’s much-taller lineup, especially after getting used to more “average” height players in the PVL.
“I think the biggest lesson for me was the first set, I think I only got one point, and it’s hard to compete against that big of a team when you’re competing against an average of five-ten and five-eight PVL players throughout the conference,” she admitted.
“It’s a big difference from attacking wherever you want, to having to attack not even on the floor, and it has to go out [off the block]. So it’s a lesson, but I’m just proud of the team for showing out.”
It was Ricafort who offered a much deeper perspective on PLDT’s Champions League run, pointing out how their opponents bring a deep chemistry on top of championship experience. For the second-year PLDT tactician, a deep bond is just as important as title experience if they want to keep up with the playing field.
“For sure sila sila na rin naman ‘yung magkakasama nang matagal, so siguro ‘yun nga, tulad naman sa usual, na sa Philippine teams din, hindi rin lahat nagkakaroon ng opportunity na magkasama nang matagal,” Ricafort reflected. “So etong mga nae-experience na magkakasama kami, kailangan i-cherish namin kasi ‘yun nga, ito talaga ‘yung magpapahabol ng bonding tsaka chemistry ng team.”
And while Zhetysu proved to be too much, that’s not to say that PLDT, as well as the local volleyball scene, is lagging badly behind their regional counterparts either.
“Pero sa nakikita ko naman na trends, hindi naman tayo sobrang layo, may reinforcements man or wala, aabot at aabot naman tayo diyan. Siguro nagpa-delay na lang din yung mga taon na walang nangyari sa Philippine volleyball tulad ng pandemic,” Ricafort explained.
“Yun, mayroon mga kagaya ni Wilma na may nashe-share sila na technical stuff na alam na nila matagal na tas tayo papunta pa lang doon, pero makikita naman natin na maganda ‘yung progress. So for sure makakahabol at makakahabol din naman tayo doon. It’s a matter of paano magtutuloy ‘yung ganitong experience na makukuha natin.”
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.