High Speed Hitters preach patience

PLDT vows to take a patient approach as it wages war in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference starting 4 February.

Smart head of sports Jude Turcuato told Daily Tribune that they are giving their new coach, Rald Ricafort, ample time to turn the High Speed Hitters into legitimate title contenders in the country's professional women's volleyball league.

Hopes are high on Ricafort after leading Petro Gazz to the Reinforced Conference title last year.

Together with his Petro Gazz deputy Arnold Laniog, Ricafort will be joining a PLDT side that has core players Rhea Dimaculangan, Mika Reyes and Kath Arado with new recruits Ysa Jimenez and Michelle Morente.

The High Speed Hitters have yet to go full blast in their training, prompting Turcuato to exert a lot of patience as they search for their first PVL title.

"For us, the reason we got him was because of his track record but what we're thinking really is to have a good up-and-coming coach to have that winning culture through a young coach who can be with us for the long-term," Turcuato said.

"They're still adjusting to the new system of coach Rald. Hopefully, when the conference starts in two weeks, it will be better."

Turcuato said he likes the composition of the squad.

"We have enough continuity from the team. The core is still there with Rhea and Mika and I think the three or four core players were hoping that the continuity and chemistry will be evident," Turcuato said.

"Almost everybody from last year was new so the chemistry was not as good as it can be so hopefully now that Kath, Rhea, Mika and the others have been together for a year, we're hoping that translates into better results and I think coach Rald brings to the table is mental toughness."