REIGNING Premier Volleyball League top libero Kath Arado has signed up with the High Speed Hitters.
Also signed by PLDT are middle blocker Jessey De Leon and outside hitter Mean Mendrez, who like Arado was previously a member of Petro Gazz.
For Arado, joining PLDT was a no-brainer since she still has unfinished business with Rhea Dimaculangan, Chin Basas, and Eli Soyud.
Back in 2020, they were supposed to be part of Generika-Ayala in the Philippine Superliga but the tournament was scrapped due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Actually, to be honest, ang isang factor na nag-decide na sumali ako sa PLDT is ‘yung magiging teammates ko,” said Arado, 23. “Kami nila Ate Rhea, Chin, at Ate Eli, nagsama-sama nun sa Generika. Kilala ko na po sila at malaking bagay ‘yun. Hindi ako nagdalawang isip na pumunta dito.”
In addition, the 5-foot-5 defensive specialist out of Iligan City is just glad that De Leon and Mendrez will be on her side.
“Malaking bagay din na makakasama ko sila kasi mayroon din kaming hindi natapos sa Petro Gazz noon,” she added.
Arado, however, admitted the pressure will be there.
“Goal ko siyempre is matulungan sila Ate Rhea na makabalik sa top four muna pero hindi magiging madali yun,” she admitted. “Kailangan namin pagtrabahuan at laging mag-improve.”
PLDT Home Fibr only retained four players from its 2021 lineup for the coming 2022 Premier Volleyball League season — setter Rhea Dimaculangan, opposite hitter Eli Soyud, outside spiker Chin Basas, and libero Nieza Viray.
