The additional firepower of High Speed ​​Hitters furthers the team’s mission in PVL Reinforced

Russian import Anastasia Bavykina and draft picks Alleiah Malaluan and Zenneth Perolino join the Pusong PLDT core armed with a title hunt.

Heading into the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, the PLDT High Speed ​​Hitters boast renewed energy and significant upgrades after capturing back-to-back preseason titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference. Although their impressive 15-match winning streak was recently ended by a loss to Cignal Super Spikers, the team is turning the pain of last year’s fourth-place finish into motivation, assembling a tournament-ready roster that features global imports and local superstars.

Leading the way is new Russian outside hitter Anastasia Bavikina, who stands 6’2″ with over 15 years of international experience across Russia, Europe, Asia and the United States, and brings a valuable combination of length, offensive skill and blocking prowess to PLDT’s already solid defence.

Joining forces with Invitational Conference MVP Savi Davison, Bavykina is putting together one of the strongest outside duos in the league. Coach Raald Ricafort highlights Bavekina’s ability to meet crucial needs, bringing leadership and championship experience as the high-speed hitters seek an unprecedented hat-trick.

“Anastasia’s receiving, blocking, serving and defense skills complement the starters well,” said Bavikina’s Ricafort, who made his PVL debut against the Capital1 Solar Spikers with 10 aces, two aces and 10 receptions, and then scored a conference-record 18 points against the Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend.

The addition of the fast-paced hitters of the foreign phenomenon perfectly complements their solid domestic core.

Before signing world-class standout Bavykina last June, PLDT bolstered its lineup with two standout college players: Alleiah Malaluan, a power hitter from De La Salle University, and Zenneth Perolino, a midfielder from Enderun College. Their youth, hunger, agility and tournament experience enhance the team’s dynamism.

“Our goal is to become champions and build a stronger relationship with each other,” said Mallowan, who went to school at De La Salle for 15 years. “For me, a successful campaign means achieving our goals – both individually and as a team.”

Wearing the green and white, she was a three-time UAAP Senior Finalist, her 85th season champion.

“In this conference, fans can expect me to be a dependable teammate – a good support system, a helping hand, and someone who is always ready to step up whenever and wherever the team needs me,” she added.

Among the first players from outside the UAAP or NCAA to be selected in the PVL Draft, Berolino is thrilled to be a rookie under coach Ricafort’s belt.

“It’s a good kind of pressure,” she said. “As a rookie, I know I have nothing to lose but more to gain. Playing in a new system and training style has helped me unleash more of my potential. The team has helped me adapt to the new environment, transitioning from collegiate play to the professional league. They have been very understanding and patient with me.”

Bavykina, Malluan and Perolino bolster a core already cemented by Liberal captain Cath Arado (recipient of the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference Best Libero award, as well as Finals MVP); The formidable trio of middle blockers Micah Reyes (Tour Finals MVP), Majoy Barron (Tour Best Middle Blocker), and Dale Palomata (National Team Outstanding and AVC Women’s Nations Cup Best Middle Blocker); Along with multi-award winning setter Kim Fajardo and opposite player Kiana Dee.

This combination of veteran intelligence, youthful dynamism and all-around efficiency gives PLDT a balanced and competitive roster primed for long-term success. With improved speed and size, they aim to make the 2025 Reinforced Conference the highlight of the PVL’s Grand Slam season. The team currently leads Group A with a 3-1 record.

“The fans can expect the team to always give its best in every training, in every match. It was a very difficult conference, so we always give our best,” Ricafort said. “Thank you so much for always supporting us. From the ups and downs to winning back-to-back championships. Please continue to support us in this conference and we promise to work hard and give our all in every match!”

Support the PLDT High Speed ​​Hitters on their journey in the ongoing 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference. Learn more about the team by following them on Instagram, Facebook, Xand Tik Tok.

Volleyball Photo Credits: Premier Volleyball League

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