MANILA, Philippines – The High Speed Hitters have won their first three games in the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, giving PLDT a strong start. However, the team is remaining realistic despite their flawless record since they know that the path ahead is uncertain and lengthy.

Rald Ricafort, head coach of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, stressed that their mentality has not been greatly affected by the outcomes of their last three games. Even if he has already defeated teams that are still looking for their first victory, such as Nxled, Galeries Tower, and Capital1, Ricfort is still focused on the long term. He emphasizes the team’s forward-thinking strategy by seeing these victories as little more than bonuses.

The early victories are important for Ricafort and his team, but what really matters is the momentum they create going into more difficult games. The coach emphasized that the league’s top teams continue to be the major emphasis and that their real test will be against them. Ricafort admitted that the comparatively simpler victories have given him a boost, but he is careful not to become complacent. Rather, he views these triumphs as stepping stones to more difficult conflicts.

The High Speed Hitters’ disciplined approach is demonstrated by their ability to remain composed and grounded. Ricafort’s leadership has fostered an attitude that prioritizes ongoing development over relying just on initial achievements. The team’s strategy as they prepare for their next games will probably include honing their game plan, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of their opponents, and making sure they stay as physically and mentally prepared as possible.

Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes, two players who have been crucial in securing early victories, will need to maintain their current level of play. As the club navigates the challenging matchups ahead, their depth and adaptability will also be vital. The team’s dedication to long-term success is demonstrated by Ricafort’s emphasis on looking to the future rather than lingering on the past.

The High Speed Hitters are committed to improving their performance as they aim to take on more challenging opponents. Although their early success may increase their confidence, their ultimate objective is still very clear: to outperform the best and establish a solid place in the conference rankings.

The lessons learnt at the All-Filipino Conference the previous season are the direct cause of this cautious confidence. With a 7-1 record at the beginning of the previous edition, PLDT lost three straight games to Creamline, Cignal, and Chery Tiggo, and therefore missed out on the semifinals. They still have vivid memories of that collapse, which heightens the significance of the current momentum.

However, the PLDT camp is feeling more determined than ever this time. The squad believes they have enough time to pace themselves during the six-month conference season, ensuring they remain focused without burning out.

Rald Ricafort, head coach of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, emphasized the benefits of the present timetable, which enables the team to successfully combine rest, scouting, and individual and team training. In contrast to prior seasons, the prolonged duration provides additional chances for recuperation and training, which enhances their campaign’s overall strategy.

Players’ health and preparedness have benefited from the once-weekly competition format. By keeping the squad in top physical shape throughout the competition, this arrangement lowers the possibility of fatigue and injury. Because it encourages consistent performance and lets players perform at their peak until the end of the season, the coach expressed hope that this model might be used in conferences in the future.

PLDT may concentrate on game analysis and tactical adjustments while making the most of their training sessions by utilizing this strategic pace. Their quest for a solid conference finish is anticipated to heavily rely on this balance.