PLDT High Speed Hitters

Last updated

PLDT High Speed Hitters
PLDT High Speed Hitters logo.png
Short namePLDT
NicknameHigh Speed Hitters
Founded2018
Head coachRald Ricafort
Captain Kath Arado
League Premier Volleyball League
Philippine Super Liga (2018–2020)
2025 Reinforced 4th place
Uniforms
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Home
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Away
Championships
Premier Volleyball League: 2
(2025 PVL on Tour, 2025 Invitational)
Volleyball current event.svg 2026 PLDT High Speed Hitters season

The PLDT High Speed Hitters are a Philippine professional women's volleyball team owned by PLDT. The team competes in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), where they have been a member of since 2021, and previously took part in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) from 2018 to 2020. They are also the sister team to the Cignal Super Spikers.

Contents

The team was originally known as the Smart Giga Hitters when they began play in the 2018 PSL Grand Prix. Later that year, their sister team in the PVL, the PayMaya High Flyers (who themselves previously competed in the PSL under the PLDT banner), was merged into this team, prompting a name change to the PLDT Home Hibr Power Hitters in 2019. In 2021, they, alongside Cignal, moved to the PVL as part of Cignal TV's broadcast partnership with the league. In 2022, the team rebranded once more, this time to their current moniker.

Until 2025, despite consistently finishing in the top six, the team was only able to reach the podium once, which came in the 2019 PSL Grand Prix. Their streak of middling results came to an end when the new PLDT franchise won back-to-back championships in 2025 with the core of Majoy Baron, Kath Arado, Mika Reyes, and Savi Davison. They became one of three teams to win multiple titles in the PVL after the Creamline Cool Smashers and Petro Gazz Angels.

History

The team debuted in 2018 as the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters. [1] The team was owned by Smart Communications. [1]

For the 2018 PSL Invitational Cup, the team partnered with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers and competed as the Smart–Army Giga Hitters. [2]

In September 2018, the PayMaya High Flyers, their affiliate team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), was merged with the team. [3] In February 2019, the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters changed its name to the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters. [4]

The team transferred to the PVL in February 2021, following the league's professionalization. [5] The team changed their name to the High Speed Hitters in January 2022, in a lead up to the upcoming PVL season. [6]

PLDT won the 2025 PVL on Tour tournament, its first ever league title. [7] They followed it by winning the 2025 Invitational Conference defeating Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa University in the final. [8]

Names

Current roster

PLDT High Speed Hitters roster
No.Nat.PlayerPos.HeightDOBFrom
1 Flag of the Philippines.svg Maria Nieza Viray Libero1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1999-02-12) February 12, 1999 (age 26) San Beda
2 Flag of the Philippines.svg Shiela Mae Kiseo Outside Hitter1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2000-10-20) October 20, 2000 (age 25) Far Eastern
3 Flag of the Philippines.svg Mika Reyes Middle Blocker1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) (1994-06-21) June 21, 1994 (age 31) De La Salle
5 Flag of the Philippines.svg Alleiah Jan Lina Malaluan Outside Hitter (2002-06-24) June 24, 2002 (age 23) De La Salle
6 Flag of the Philippines.svg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Savi Davison Outside Hitter1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) (1999-01-04) January 4, 1999 (age 27) Oklahoma
7 Flag of the Philippines.svg Zenneth Irene Perolino Middle Blocker (2001-04-08) April 8, 2001 (age 24)Enderun
8 Flag of the Philippines.svg Kath Arado  (C)Libero1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) (1998-05-22) May 22, 1998 (age 27) UE
9 Flag of the Philippines.svg Kim Fajardo Setter1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (1993-09-30) September 30, 1993 (age 32) De La Salle
10 Flag of the Philippines.svg Majoy Baron Middle Blocker1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) (1994-12-10) December 10, 1994 (age 31) De La Salle
11 Flag of the Philippines.svg Kim Kianna Dy Opposite Hitter1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) (1995-07-26) July 26, 1995 (age 30) De La Salle
14 Flag of the Philippines.svg Kiesha Dazzie Bedonia Outside Hitter1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) (2002-12-29) December 29, 2002 (age 23) Far Eastern
15 Flag of the Philippines.svg Angelica Legacion Setter1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) (1993-08-15) August 15, 1993 (age 32) Arellano
16 Flag of the Philippines.svg Angelica Alcantara Setter1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) (2000-11-25) November 25, 2000 (age 25) Adamson
18 Flag of the Philippines.svg Jessey Laine de Leon Middle Blocker1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) (1994-12-18) December 18, 1994 (age 31) UST
19 Flag of the Philippines.svg Jovie Prado Outside Hitter1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) (1996-07-30) July 30, 1996 (age 29) Arellano
— Flag of the Philippines.svg Seth Rodriguez Middle Blocker1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) (1998-09-22) September 22, 1998 (age 27) UE
Updated as of: January 3, 2026 | Source: PVL.ph
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Season-by-season records

Domestic league

Philippine Super Liga (2018–2020)

SeasonConferencePreliminary roundFinal roundRankingSource
2018 Grand Prix 8th (0–10, 3 pts)Lost in quarterfinals vs. F2 Logistics, 0–38th place
Invitational 2nd (3–1, 9 pts) (Group B)Won in quarterfinals vs. Generika–Ayala, 3–0
Lost in semifinals vs. Petron, 0–3
Lost in third place match vs. Cignal, 1–3		4th place
All-Filipino 6th (2–5, 5 pts)Lost in quarterfinals vs. Generika–Ayala, 0–36th place
2019 Grand Prix 3rd (8–6, 22 pts)Won in quarterfinals vs. Generika–Ayala in two games [a]
Lost in semifinals vs. F2 Logistics, 0–2 [b]
Won in third place match vs. Cignal, 3–2		3rd place
All-Filipino 6th (6–8, 17 pts)Lost in quarterfinals vs. Foton, 1–36th place
Invitational 3rd (1–2, 3 pts) (Pool C)Did not qualify5th place
2020 Grand Prix Conference cancelled

Premier Volleyball League (2021–present)

SeasonConferencePreliminary roundFinal roundRankingSource
2021
(team)		 Open 7th (3–6, 9 pts)Did not qualify7th place [9]
2022
(team)		 Open 3rd (1–2, 3 pts)
(Pool B)		Lost in quarterfinals vs. Choco Mucho, 2–3 [c]
Won in fifth place match vs. F2 Logistics, 3–2		5th place [10]
Invitational 2nd (4–2, 12 pts)Finished 3rd in semifinals (2–2, 8 pts)
Lost in third place match vs. Cignal, 2–3		4th place [11]
Reinforced 6th (3–5, 10 pts)Did not qualify6th place [12]
2023
(team)		 First All-Filipino 3rd (6–2, 18 pts)Lost in semifinals vs. Petro Gazz, 1–2 [b] 4th place [13]
Invitational 2nd (3–1, 8 pts)Finished 5th in final round (2–3, 6 pts)5th place [14]
Second All-Filipino 5th (7–4, 21 pts)Did not qualify5th place [15]
2024
(team)		 All-Filipino 5th (8–3, 23 pts)Did not qualify5th place [16]
Reinforced 4th (6–2, 19 pts)Won in quarterfinals vs. Chery Tiggo, 3–2
Lost in semifinals vs. Akari, 2–3
Lost in third place match vs. Cignal, 1–3		4th place [17]
Invitational Did not participate [d]
2024–25
(team)		 All-Filipino 4th (8–3, 23 pts)Lost in quarterfinals vs. Choco Mucho, 0–2 [b] 5th place [18]
PVL on Tour 1st (5–0, 15 pts) (Pool A)Won in quarterfinals vs. Zus Coffee, 3–0
Won in semifinals vs. Creamline, 3–2
Won in championship vs. Chery Tiggo, 3–2		Champions [19]
Invitational 1st (5–0, 14 pts)Won in championship vs. Kobe Shinwa, 3–1Champions [8]
Reinforced 3rd (6–2, 18 pts)Won in quarterfinals vs. Cignal, 3–1
Lost in semifinals vs. Zus Coffee, 0–3
Lost in third place match vs. Akari, 2–3		4th place [20]
Notes
  1. ↑ Team had twice-to-beat advantage.
  2. 1 2 3 Best-of-three series.
  3. ↑ Opposing team had twice-to-beat advantage.
  4. ↑ Although PLDT qualified for the 2024 Invitational Conference, the team declined the invitation to participate in the conference.

AVC Women's Volleyball Champions League

YearPreliminary roundFinal roundRankingSource
2025 2nd (1–1, 4 pts) (Pool D)Lost in quarterfinals vs. Zhetsyu, 0–37th place [21]

Individual awards

Premier Volleyball League

SeasonConferenceAwardNameSource
2022 Invitational 1st Best Middle Blocker Flag of the Philippines.svg Mika Reyes [22]
2nd Best Middle Blocker Flag of the Philippines.svg Dell Palomata
2023 1st All-Filipino Best Libero Flag of the Philippines.svg Kath Arado [23]
Invitational Best Libero Flag of the Philippines.svg Kath Arado [24]
2024 Reinforced 1st Best Middle Blocker Flag of the Philippines.svg Mary Joy Baron [25] [26]
2024–25 All-Filipino 1st Best Outside Spiker Flag of the Philippines.svg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Savi Davison [27]
PVL on Tour Most Valuable Player (Finals) Flag of the Philippines.svg Mika Reyes [28]
[29]
2nd Best Middle Blocker Flag of the Philippines.svg Majoy Baron
Best Libero Flag of the Philippines.svg Kath Arado
Invitational Most Valuable Player (Conference) Flag of the Philippines.svg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Savi Davison [30]
[31]
Most Valuable Player (Finals) Flag of the Philippines.svg Kath Arado
Best Libero
Reinforced 2nd Best Outside Spiker Flag of the Philippines.svg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Savi Davison [32]

Philippine Super Liga

SeasonConferenceAwardNameSource
2019 Grand Prix Best Middle Blocker (foreign) Flag of the United States.svg Grace Lazard
Best Opposite Spiker (local) Flag of the Philippines.svg Aiko Urdas

Team captains

Former players

Foreign players

Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba
Flag of France.svg France
Flag of Russia.svg Russia
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg UK
Flag of the United States.svg USA

Coaches

Imports

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Manicad, Julis (February 9, 2018). "Smart parades rookies, veterans". Volleyverse. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  2. ↑ Mendoza, Voltaire (June 7, 2018). "Lady Troopers out to regain PSL supremacy". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  3. ↑ "PLDT rejoins Super Liga as eight teams battle for title in All-Filipino Conference". SPIN.PH. October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  4. ↑ Zarate, Noel (February 12, 2019). "PSL Grand Prix Preview: The retooled PLDT Home FIBR". ESPN 5. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
  5. ↑ Lozada, Bong (February 5, 2021). "Cignal, PLDT joining PVL". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  6. ↑ "PLDT Home to be known as High Speed Hitters in coming PVL season". ABS-CBN News. January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  7. ↑ Garcia, John Mark (August 18, 2025). "PLDT a champion at last after surviving Chery Tiggo fightback". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  8. 1 2 "PVL: PLDT rules Invitational for back-to-back titles". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 31, 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  9. ↑ Agcaoili, Lance (August 6, 2021). "PLDT rips Cignal to end PVL Open on three-game win streak". Spin.ph . Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  10. ↑ "PLDT outduels F2 Logistics for 5th". Premier Volleyball League. April 5, 2022. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  11. ↑ Agcaoili, Lance (August 14, 2022). "PVL: Cignal bags bronze after comeback win over PLDT". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  12. ↑ Velasco, Jillian (November 17, 2022). "Chery Tiggo enters PVL playoffs on a high as PLDT kisses semis bid goodbye". Spin.ph . Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  13. ↑ "PVL: F2 Logistics completes series sweep of PLDT for bronze". sports.inquirer.net. March 28, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Kurashiki turns back PLDT, seals PVL title showdown vs Creamline". Spin.ph . July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  15. ↑ Morales, Luisa (December 5, 2023). "PLDT outlasts Petro Gazz in five sets, ends PVL campaign on a high". Spin.ph . Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  16. ↑ "PLDT exits with a bang, drubs Creamline". Premier Volleyball League. April 25, 2024. Archived from the original on April 25, 2024. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Cignal fight back to repel PLDT, bags bronze". Premier Volleyball League. September 4, 2024. Archived from the original on September 4, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  18. ↑ Garcia, John Mark (March 20, 2025). "Choco Mucho books semis seat in PVL AFC by giving PLDT the boot". Spin.ph . Archived from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  19. ↑ "PLDT finally reigns, clinches first PVL crown in On Tour finale" . Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Akari shocks PLDT in wild bronze medal thriller" . Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Zhetsyu blasts past PLDT, rolls into Final 4". Premier Volleyball League. April 24, 2025. Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Tots Carlos takes Invitational MVP crown". pvl.ph. Premier Volleyball League. August 14, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  23. ↑ Agcaoili, Lance (March 30, 2023). "Creamline's Tots Carlos wins third PVL MVP award". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  24. ↑ Agcaoili, Lance (July 30, 2023). "Cignal's Ces Molina crowned 2023 PVL Invitational MVP". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  25. ↑ Demigillo, Kiko (September 4, 2024). "'MVPons' finally real as Bernadeth Pons takes home PVL Reinforced Conference MVP and Finals MVP honors". One Sports . Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Bernadeth Pons named PVL Reinforced Conference MVP - News | PVL - Premier Volleyball League". pvl.ph. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Brooke Van Sickle shines bright with back-to-back MVP honors". Premier Volleyball League. April 12, 2025. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  28. ↑ Demigillo, Kiko (August 17, 2025). "Mika Reyes celebrates Finals MVP plum, but says PLDT's first PVL title matters most". One Sports . Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Erika Santos shines as PVL on Tour MVP" . Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Davison claims first MVP trophy after all-around brilliance" . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  31. ↑ Demigillo, Kiko (August 31, 2025). "Kath Arado admit surprise at being first libero to be named PVL Finals MVP". One Sports . Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Brooke Van Sickle joins elite group with third MVP" . Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  33. 1 2 "New-look Cignal, debuting Smart Prepaid eye solid PSL campaigns". ABS-CBN Sports. February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  34. ↑ Garcia, John Mark (June 8, 2024). "Lena Samoilenko back for PLDT in 2024 Reinforced Conference". Spin.ph . Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  35. ↑ Demegillo, Kiko (April 10, 2025). "Wilma Salas returns to Philippines, signs with PLDT for AVC Women's Champions League". One Sports . Archived from the original on April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  36. ↑ "PLDT signs Russian Anastasiia Bavykina ahead of Reinforced Conference" . Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  37. ↑ Demigillo, Kiko (September 16, 2025). "PLDT brings in veteran Anastasiia Bavykina for PVL Reinforced Conference". onesports.ph. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
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