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PLDT High Speed Hitters Gear Up for AVC Champions League
The PLDT High Speed Hitters are set to compete in the AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Champions League, aiming to make a strong showing after bolstering their roster.
New Additions and Key Players
To strengthen the team, PLDT has enlisted Shelby Sullivan, a former Creamline import who contributed to the Cool Smashers’ grand slam season the previous year. The High Speed Hitters will also feature Anna Stepaniuk, a 6-foot-5 Ukrainian middle blocker, to fortify their frontline. Returning MVP Isa Molde, along with Kat Arado and Eli Soyud, will also be key players for the team.
Opening Matches
PLDT begins its AVC campaign today,april 20,against Hong Kong’s Hip Hing Volleyball Club at 1:30 p.m. The team will then face Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Taipower on Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Coach’s Viewpoint
“We have unfinished business to attend to,” said head coach Roger Gorayeb. “We’re looking forward to competing against these international clubs, and we’re excited to represent the Philippines on this stage.”
Tournament Details
The AVC Champions League, a qualifier for the FIVB Club World Championship, includes 13 teams from 12 countries across Asia. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
Participating Nations
besides the Philippines, other countries represented in the tournament include China, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, Iran, India, Vietnam, Jordan, and Hong Kong.
Venue and Protocols
Games are being held at the PhilSports Arena without a live audience, following current health and safety protocols.
Team Determination
Filipino-Canadian player Davison aims to leverage past disappointments to fuel the team’s performance at the AVC. She will be joined by a 6-foot 2-inch Cuban player, along with Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata, Felola Ceballos, Erika Santos, Kianna Dy, Angge Alcantara, and Kim Fajardo.
“We have learned from the hard defeats, and now we can make that better,” said Davison, recognized as the best external attacker of the All-Filipino conference. “This is a great opportunity for us to show what we can do on a different scenario.”
“We were so close. We know we can compete.Now it’s about executing, and this time, not yield,” Davison added.
Challenging Group Stage
PLDT faces a tough challenge in Group D, competing against Nakhon Ratchasima qmin VC of Thailand, ranked No. 13 globally, today, April 20, and the Queensland Pirates of Australia, ranked No. 55, on Tuesday.
Other Teams in Contention
Other teams competing at the PhilSports Arena include El Baic Motor Volleyball Club of China, VTV Binh Dien Long Annam, and Iran Volleyball Club in Group C.
Knockout Stage Schedule
The top two teams from each group will proceed to the quarterfinals on April 24 and 25. The Final Four is scheduled for April 26, leading to the Grand Final on April 27.
PLDT High Speed Hitters at the AVC Champions League: Your Top Questions Answered
The PLDT High Speed Hitters are making their mark in the AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Champions League. Here’s everything you need to no about the team’s journey.
What is the AVC Champions League?
The AVC Champions League is a prestigious volleyball tournament in Asia, serving as a qualifier for the FIVB Club World Championship. This year’s tournament features 13 teams representing 12 countries across Asia.
When and where is the tournament being held?
The tournament is currently underway at the PhilSports Arena. Games are being played without a live audience due to current health and safety protocols.
Who are the key players for PLDT High Speed Hitters?
PLDT has strengthened its roster with new additions and key players, including:
Shelby Sullivan: A former Creamline import.
Anna Stepaniuk: A 6-foot-5 Ukrainian middle blocker.
Isa Molde: Returning MVP for the team.
Kat Arado
Eli Soyud
Filipino-Canadian player Davison
A 6-foot-2-inch Cuban player
Majoy Baron
Mika Reyes
Dell Palomata
Felola Ceballos
Erika santos
Kianna Dy
Angge Alcantara
Kim Fajardo
What are PLDT’s opening matches?
PLDT High speed Hitters started its AVC campaign on April 20 against Hong Kong’s Hip Hing Volleyball Club at 1:30 p.m., and will play Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Taipower on Monday at 4:30 p.m.
What is the coach’s perspective on the tournament?
Head Coach Roger Gorayeb stated, “We have unfinished business to attend to. We’re looking forward to competing against these international clubs, and we’re excited to represent the Philippines on this stage.”
Who are PLDT’s opponents in the group stage?
PLDT is in Group D and faces a challenging group stage, competing against:
Nakhon Ratchasima qmin VC of Thailand (ranked No. 13 globally)
Queensland Pirates of Australia (ranked No. 55)
What is the knockout stage schedule?
Quarterfinals: April 24 and 25
Final four: April 26
Grand Final: April 27
what other teams are participating in the tournament?
Other teams to look out for include:
El Baic Motor Volleyball Club of China
VTV Binh Dien Long Annam
Iran Volleyball Club
What are Davison’s and the team’s goals for the tournament?
Davison, recognized as the best external attacker of the All-Filipino conference, aims to leverage past disappointments to fuel the team’s performance. She stated, ”We have learned from the hard defeats, and now we can make that better.” The team is focused on executing well and ”not yielding.”
Which countries are represented in the tournament?
Besides the Philippines, other participating countries include:
China
South Korea
Chinese Taipei
Kazakhstan
Iran
India
Vietnam
Jordan
Hong Kong
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