KKD, Baron arrival at PLDT potentially tilts balance of PVL power

Kim Kianna Dy proudly poses in a PLDT uniform. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PLDT has dipped its hands deeper in the disbanded F2 Logistics sweepstakes and has, 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 shore up leading to the new Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.

The squad also recruited setter Kim Fajardo to be the backup, obviously, of Rhea Dimaculangan, a seasoned quarterback who is also looking to take the squad into at least a title series and break through.

Dy, when healthy, is easily one of the most prolific scorers in the league. And after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear that kept her out of the last All-Filipino Conference, coach Rald Ricafort’s options have more than doubled after top gun Savannah Davison.

“For Sav and KKD, I think the offense and first line of defense will have an impact. Both are good blockers and very athletic,” Ricafort told Inquirer. “As long as we will be able to bring back the condition of KKD so same with Fajardo and Baron. The challenge is to keep them healthy and bring back their top condition.”

Trying a new system

Dy is also a crowd favorite since her days at La Salle under Ramil de Jesus. She has seen no other coach since winning UAAP Most Valuable Player honors in Season 78 and playing for the Cargo Movers since 2016.

But she welcomes the challenge.

“Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary sometimes. But at the same time, that’s when you realize that you can learn so much more from new coaches and teammates,” Dy said when she was introduced on Sunday. “Knowing that there’s still so much to learn inspires me to thrive and work harder. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I hope we can meet the expectations set for us here at PLDT.”

Ricafort, meanwhile, 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 after falling short with a 7-4 record for fifth place.

“What stuck to me during our conversation in their (photo) shoot was their eagerness to win,” Ricafort said in Filipino. “And that’s a good start for the team from where I’m sitting.” INQ