Baron holds fort for injured Reyes

It would be up to offseason acquisition Majoy Baron to hold the frontline for PLDT in the absence of injured middle blocker Mika Reyes when action in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference begins.

Baron expressed readiness to step into the plate in her first foray as a High Speed Hitter following her transfer from disbanded F2 Logistics.

The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player will be taking over the role of Reyes as she recovers from undergoing surgery last month on her right shoulder.

"Of course, I'm filling in a huge role since it's the main reason why I joined PLDT, because they needed a middle blocker because Ate Mika will have surgery," Baron said.

Baron, along with opposite hitter Kim Kianna Dy and setter Kim Fajardo, signed with the High Speed Hitters after the Cargo Movers withdrew from the league at the end of last season.

"I have a bigger role to fill in. But I'm ready for whatever job our coach wants me to do. I trust the system, I trust the management and whatever role that is I'm willing to step up," she said.

Head coach Rald Ricafort is also pinning his hopes on Baron, who will have a good supporting cast in the frontline with Jessey de Leon and Rachel Austero.

"It's a good thing we have Majoy coming in, so at least we have a capable replacement," Ricafort said.

Reyes went under the knife May last year after doctors discovered a cyst on her shoulder. She aggravated the same injury during the 2nd All-Filipino Conference and had to go into another operation which would sideline her for the rest of the season-opening tournament.

"Of course, I'm thankful for the trust of coach Rald. I learned a lot from him since he gives a different approach from the knowledge that I have. He taught us a lot of things and skills that we can apply to his system," Baron said.

Aside from Reyes, the PLDT mentor also mentioned that there is still no specific timeline for Dy's return as she is still recovering from a right knee injury she sustained in the 2023 Invitational Conference.

PLDT finished fifth in the 2nd All-Filipino Conference with a 7-4 win-loss record.

PVL will open its 2024 season on 20 February.