Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina and draft picks Alleiah Malaluan and Zenneth Perolino join pusong PLDT-armed, title-hunting core.
Riding into the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, the PLDT High Speed Hitters boast renewed energy and significant upgrades after claiming back-to-back preseason titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference. Though their impressive 15-game winning streak recently ended with a loss to the Cignal Super Spikers, the team is transforming the pain of last year’s fourth-place finish into motivation, assembling a championship-ready roster that features both a world-class import and standout local stars.
Anastasiia Bavykina
Leading the way is new Russian outside hitter Anastasiia Bavykina, who at 6’2” and with over 15 years of international experience across Russia, Europe, Asia, and the United States, brings a valuable mix of height, offensive skill, and blocking prowess to PLDT’s already strong defense.
Joining forces with Invitational Conference MVP Savi Davison, Bavykina sets up one of the league’s most formidable outside hitter duos. Coach Rald Ricafort highlights Bavykina’s ability to address crucial needs, bringing leadership and championship experience as the High Speed Hitters pursue an unprecedented three-peat.
“Anastasiia’s receiving, blocking, serving, and defense skills compliment the starters well. We don’t need another scoring machine. We need a veteran who could hold the team together, and a stable presence that can support the team’s high-level performance,” said Ricafort of Bavykina, who debuted in the PVL against the Capital1 Solar Spikers with 10 spikes, 2 service aces, and 10 excellent receives; and then registered a conference-high record of 18 points against Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend.
The High Speed Hitters’ addition of the foreign phenom perfectly complements their solid local core.
Prior to signing international standout Bavykina last June, PLDT bolstered its lineup with two standout college players: Alleiah Malaluan, a power hitter from De La Salle University, and Zenneth Perolino, a middle blocker from Enderun College. Their youth, hunger, agility, and championship experience enhance the team’s dynamic.
“Our goal is to become champions and build a stronger connection with one another. For me, a successful campaign means reaching our goals – both individually and as a team,” said Malaluan, who went to school at De La Salle for 15 years.
Wearing green and white, she reached the UAAP seniors finals three times, with her crowning achievement being the Season 85 title.
“This conference, fans can expect me to be a dependable teammate – a good support system, a helping hand, and someone who’s always ready to step up whenever and wherever the team needs me,” she added.
Among the first non-UAAP or NCAA players selected in the PVL Draft, Perolino is thrilled to be a rookie under Coach Ricafort’s belt.
“It’s a good kind of pressure,” she said. “As a rookie, I know there is nothing to lose but more to gain. Playing in a new system and coaching style has helped me unlock more of my potential. The team helped me adjust to the new environment, switching from playing in collegiate to the professional league. They’ve been very understanding and patient with me.”
Bavykina, Malaluan, and Perolino strengthen a core already anchored by captain-libero Kath Arado (recipient of PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference Best Libero, plus Finals MVP); the formidable trio of middle blockers Mika Reyes (On Tour Finals MVP), Majoy Baron (On Tour Best Middle Blocker), and Dell Palomata (national team standout and AVC Women’s Nations Cup Best Middle Blocker); alongside multi-awarded setter Kim Fajardo and opposite spiker Kianna Dy.
This blend of veteran savvy, youthful dynamism, and overall efficiency gives PLDT a balanced and competitive roster prepared for long-term success. With enhanced speed and size, they’re aiming to make the 2025 Reinforced Conference the highlight of a PVL grand slam season. The team is currently leading Pool A with a record of 3-1.
“Fans can expect the team to always give their best every training, every game. It proves to be a very difficult conference, so we always give our all,” said Ricafort. “Thank you so much for always supporting us. From the ups and downs, to winning the back-to-back championship. Please continue supporting us this conference and we promise to work hard and give our all every game!”
Support the PLDT High Speed Hitters on their journey at the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference 2025. Know more about the team by following them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.
Volleyball photo credits: Premier Volleyball League
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