In the midst of the intense battle for supremacy in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, PLDT's star player, Mean Mendrez, has been courageously fighting through a nagging knee injury that forced her to miss several critical games. However, her resilience and determination were put to the test as the High Speed Hitters faced a pivotal match that could determine their championship hopes.
Fortunately for PLDT, their matchup against F2 Logistics didn't push them to the brink, allowing Mendrez to rest and recover. The team put on an impressive performance, cruising past F2 Logistics with a dominant scoreline of 25-21, 25-19, 25-18, in the six-team round-robin semifinals. It was a collective effort that showcased the team's depth and adaptability, proving they could thrive even without Mendrez on the court.
"Mean is nursing a slightly injured knee at the moment, it's just a minor issue but it's been on and off," revealed head coach Rald Ricafort, acknowledging Mendrez's injury but also expressing his confidence in her dedication and commitment to the team.
In Mendrez's absence, newcomer Royse Tubino took charge of PLDT's attack, impressively contributing 20 crucial points with her powerful strikes, a timely block, and a service ace. Fiola Ceballos stepped into Mendrez's shoes in the starting lineup and delivered a commendable performance, securing nine points on 8-of-18 attacks.
The High Speed Hitters' victory brought their semifinals record to 1-2, keeping their championship dreams alive. However, they face a daunting challenge ahead as they must secure wins against formidable foreign teams to secure a spot in the finals.
Upcoming matches against Kinh Bac Bac Ninh of Vietnam and Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan will put PLDT's mental fortitude to the test. Coach Ricafort stressed that the grueling schedule of the tournament demands a strong focus on the mental aspect of the game. With limited on-court training hours, rest and recovery have become paramount for the players' peak performance.
"This semifinal stage is more about the mental aspect rather than just the physical. We really need to prepare the players' mindset to be patient and persistent, especially with this demanding schedule," shared Coach Ricafort, who also handles the University of the Philippines' men's volleyball squad.
With all eyes on the crucial matches ahead, PLDT's players are determined to face the challenges head-on and remain resilient in pursuit of their championship aspirations. The team understands the importance of analyzing their opponents and learning from every game to refine their strategies for the ultimate test against Cignal.
As fans eagerly await PLDT's next matches, they can rest assured that Mean Mendrez, the heart and soul of the team, will be ready to give her all when her services are called upon.
