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 Strengthened Convention on Wednesday, September 4. Though not within the championship sport on the PhilSports Enviornment, Pasig Metropolis, the Excessive Velocity Hitters are dedicated to complete the convention with “puso” ringing via the top.
PLDT Excessive Velocity Hitters – Fiola Ceballos & Majoy Baron
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed staff misplaced their finals ticket after a heartbreaking 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 15-17 loss in opposition to 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 staff,” mentioned staff captain Kath Arado. “Pero kahit masakit para sa amin kung ano ang naging consequence ng sport, pinakita ng staff 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 staff performed all the match with out main native scorers in Savi Davison and Kianna Dy – who have been each out on account of damage. Regardless of that, the staff made a spirited run to the semifinals, going through 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 in need of a finals stint in opposition to powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, going through sister staff Cignal HD Spikers for the bronze medal as a substitute.
Puso = energy
“Regardless of these powerful occasions, we stay dedicated to ending the match. 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 optimistic mindset sa mga bagay na mahal namin kagaya ng volleyball.”
Arado, a three-time PVL Finest Libero, registered 19 glorious 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 staff misplaced in deflating vogue, the staff stays impressed by the love despatched on social media from the throngs of supporters the staff has and had gained over the previous few days. On Monday evening, X (previously Twitter) noticed “We stand with PLDT” trending in relation to the staff’s ongoing quest.
Combating the great struggle
Head coach Rald Ricafort shares that the staff may be very a lot impressed by the overwhelming, all-out help. He intends to make use of it as a serious rallying cry to finish the convention on a excessive be aware.
“I simply always remind them who we’re as a staff. That we did all the pieces the precise approach with function, 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 subsequent stage, yung focus at disiplina talaga nila ang nagdadala. In addition they actually belief one another, together with us as coaches,” he added.
Whereas the staff was understaffed, Ricafort was adamant the staff didn’t do something particular to regulate – banking on the belief he had for his wards that they’d ship.
“There have been some bumps alongside the best way, 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 precise route,” he concluded.
Catch the PLDT Excessive Velocity Hitters’ remaining sport on the Premier Volleyball League Strengthened Convention on September 2, 4PM on the PhilSports Enviornment, Pasig Metropolis. Keep tuned for updates by following the staff on Instagram, Fb, X, and TikTok.
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