MANILA, Philippines – The 2025 AVC Women’s Club Volleyball Championship will mark the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ international debut, and they are preparing for a significant test. Top club teams from all across Asia will compete in the tournament, which will get underway at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, April 20. Along with other Premier Volleyball League (PVL) teams, Creamline and Petro Gazz, PLDT is one of three Philippine representatives competing in the prestigious tournament.

The High Speed Hitters are in a tough Pool D grouping, where they are paired with well-known powerhouses, the Queensland Pirates of Australia and Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC of Thailand. Due to their combined skill and international background, these two opponents represent serious threats. With years of expertise, Nakhon Ratchasima is ranked 13th in Asia. With a powerful, physically fit team that takes pleasure in its blocking and net defense, Queensland is placed 55th.

Even though they are the underdogs going into the event, PLDT is determined and prepared to face the challenge. They participated through a wildcard slot that was given out after the NEC Red Rockets of Japan withdrew. The Philippines was given permission to enter a third local team in the 12-club event since it was the host nation. By being included, PLDT gives the team the chance to compete against top Asian teams and get worldwide recognition and experience that could advance volleyball in the nation.

Wilma Salas, a Cuban outside hitter, has been added to PLDT’s squad to bolster their campaign. Salas, who is well-known for her strength and expertise, is anticipated to strengthen the team’s attacking strategy with more firepower. She joins a strong core of players led by Savannah Davison, the PVL All-Filipino Conference Best Outside Hitter. Middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron, who are renowned for their leadership and blocking skills, as well as libero Kath Arado, who has been among the league’s most reliable floor defenders, provide a veteran presence.

The High Speed Hitters have been concentrating on the teamwork, preparation, and adaptations needed for international play under the guidance of head coach Rald Ricafort. PLDT’s experience disparity with some of their group opponents is well known to Ricafort and his coaching staff, but they are counting on teamwork, effort, and strategic execution to equalize the playing field.

Despite having a lackluster campaign in the just finished PVL All-Filipino Conference and missing out on the Final Four, PLDT is taking the setback as inspiration to go better and have an effect on the global scene. Their performance at home also highlighted areas that needed work, like defensive coverage and offensive consistency, which have been key components of their AVC preparations.

The 12 competing clubs are split up into four pools of three teams each for the AVC Women’s Club Championship. In the preliminary stage, teams compete in a round-robin format within their group. The third-place teams go to classification matches, while the top two teams from each pool go to the quarterfinals. This implies that PLDT’s tournament trajectory will be decided by their games versus Queensland and Nakhon Ratchasima.

It’s a difficult task to take on highly ranked opponents so early in the competition, but PLDT is confident in their prospects. The team knows that a victory—or even a good showing—against these foreign teams would serve as a declaration of advancement for Philippine club volleyball in addition to boosting morale. PLDT sees the competition as a chance to develop as a team and as a learning experience that goes beyond the outcomes.

The team also hopes to rely on the support of the home crowd. It is anticipated that PLDT will gain an emotional advantage from performing in front of Filipino supporters. The High Speed Hitters are looking to build confidence and momentum with the backing of their local fans, which could help them surpass expectations.

PLDT will strive to represent the nation with pride, perseverance, and tenacity as the AVC Women’s Club Championship gets underway. Their adventure represents an important turning point for the club as well as for the larger objectives of Philippine volleyball on the international scene.