Majoy joins PLDT block party

Majoy Baron is thrilled to write a new chapter in her storied career as she dons the PLDT jersey for the coming 2024 Premier Volleyball League next month.

After the disbandment of her former club F2 Logistics last month, the decorated middle blocker found a new home with the High Speed Hitters.

PLDT formally introduced its second key recruit on Saturday following the signing of another ex-Cargo Mover setter Kim Fajardo for the PVL season that will open on 17 February.

"I'm coming into the PLDT team as a student of the sport. Hopefully, I ace this challenge as well," the 28-year-old De La Salle University product said.

Baron, who played a key role in F2 Logistics' five titles in the defunct Philippine Superliga, welcomes the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone playing alongside new teammates as well as reuniting with old allies.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 79 Most Valuable Player will shore up the frontline of the High Speed Hitters. Her arrival is also timely as skipper Mika Reyes has yet to recover from a nagging shoulder injury.

The 5-foot-11 Baron will team up with Dell Palomata in holding the fort while Reyes remains unavailable.

PLDT was the second best blocking team in the 2023 2nd All-Filipino Conference with 2.18 kill blocks per set.

"The thought that everything I learned from La Salle and F2 Logistics will broaden, because I'm in a new system, makes me feel really excited," she said as she gets to learn under former PVL champion coach Rald Ricafort.

"Every new coach and every new teammate, I intend to learn from them," the three-time UAAP champion added.

Baron, who was a two-time ASEAN Grand Prix Best Middle Blocker winner, is hopeful she will regain her old form and confidence after her performance dipped in the past seasons.

PLDT finished the 2nd All-Filipino Conference in seventh place after reaching the semis in the first two tournaments of the 2023 season.

The High Speed Hitters are expected to officially welcome Kim Kianna Dy as their third major haul from F2 Logistics.