PLDT to defy odds in AVC tilt

Still reeling from a tough Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference exit, PLDT aims to turn the page — and rewrite its story — as it makes its continental debut in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, which kicks off Sunday at the Philsports Arena.

But the road ahead is anything but easy.

PLDT landed in a stacked Pool D alongside powerhouse teams Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin VC of Thailand and Queensland Pirates of Australia — two formidable squads packed with size, experience and international firepower.

Nakhon Ratchasima enters the tournament as the No. 13 team in the world, featuring a deep and battle-tested lineup with a strong local core. Queensland, though ranked No. 55, brings length and presence at the net that could disrupt PLDT’s rhythm early.

But PLDT is unfazed.

Armed with a stronger, deeper rotation, the High Speed Hitters believe they’ve got the pieces — and the hunger — to buck the odds and make waves in their international debut.

“We’ve learned from the tough losses, and now we get to turn that into something better,” said Savannah Davison, who just bagged the Best Outside Hitter award in the recent AFC. “This is a big opportunity for us to showcase what we can do on a different stage.”

Davison headlines an intimidating lineup that also includes Majoy Baron, Filipino-Cuban Wilma Salas and Fiola Ceballos, with offensive support from Erika Santos and Kianna Dy.

Salas, a 6-foot-2 opposite hitter, brings high-level experience and adds size and punch to the wing.

In the middle, the combination of Baron, Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes offers both blocking presence and scoring versatility. Playmakers Angge Alcantara and Kim Fajardo will orchestrate the offense, while national team libero Kath Arado anchors the floor defense with poise and international savvy.

After bowing out in the PVL quarterfinals via two heart-breaking five-setters to Choco Mucho, PLDT is determined to flip the script — and the AVC provides the perfect stage.

“We were that close,” Davison said.

“We know we can compete. Now it’s about executing, and this time, not letting up.”

PLDT opens its AVC campaign on Sunday at 7 p.m. against Queensland, followed by a tough duel with Nakhon Ratchasima on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Philsports Arena. Emerging from Pool D won’t be easy — but the High Speed Hitters are out to prove they belong.