Kim Kiana D proudly wears her PLDT uniform. – Contributed photo
PLDT has dipped its hands deeper into the disbanded F2 Logistics sweepstakes and, in the process, formed its own fearsome frontline with the arrival of Kim Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron as the High Speed Hitters became the next team to support the new team. Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
The team also drafted infielder Kim Fajardo to be the replacement, obviously, for Rhea Dimaculangan, a veteran midfielder who is also looking to take the team to at least the title series and break through.
Dy, when healthy, is one of the league’s most prolific scorers. After recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that kept her out of the last Philippine Conference, coach Rald Ricafort’s options doubled after Savannah Davison.
“For Sav and KKD, I think the offense and the first line of defense will have an impact. They’re both good blockers and very athletic,” Ricafort told the Inquirer. “As long as we’re going to be able to get KKD back in shape, that’s the case with Fajardo and Baron. The challenge is to stay healthy and get back to their best.”
Try a new system
Dy is also a fan favorite from her days at La Salle under Ramil de Jesus. She hasn’t seen another coach since winning UAAP Player of the Year in Season 78 and playing for the Cargo Movers since 2016.
But she welcomes the challenge.
“Getting out of your comfort zone can be scary sometimes. But at the same time, you realize that you can learn a lot from the new coaches and your teammates,” Dee said when she was introduced on Sunday. “Knowing that there is still a lot to go Learning it inspires me to thrive and work harder. It will take a lot of hard work, but I hope we can meet the expectations set for us here at PLDT.
Meanwhile, Ricafort marvels at the hunger and determination of the former F2 trio to regain their old forms and help the High Speed Hitters, who reached the semifinals in the first two conferences of the 2023 season but missed the playoffs in the second All-Filipino Conference. Conference after failing with a 7-4 record for fifth place.
“What stuck in my mind during our conversation at the (photo) session was their eagerness to win,” Ricafort said in Filipino. “This is a good start for the team from where I sit.” inquiry
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