IN its quest for more glory, PLDT has tapped Russian hitter Anastasiia Bavykina as its import ahead of its upcoming campaign in the PVL Reinforced Conference slated next month.
The High Speed Hitters named Bavykina as their guest reinforcement yesterday, hoping to continue their success in the import-laden tournament.
“Join us as we officially welcome Anastasiia Bavykina to the High Speed Hitters family,” the team said on its social media accounts. “She will be joining the PLDT squad in the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“Let’s make her feel at home and give her a follow, Team PLDT! #PusongPLDT.”
The 6-foot-2 outside spiker, a former national team member of Russia, is armed with experience playing for several Russian clubs in her career and also took her talents to Kazakhstan.
The 33-year-old played for Yenisey Krasnoyarsk in Russia last year and earlier signed with American club team Columbus Fury.
PLDT is banking on Bavykina to help the squad after two straight titles—in the pre-season On Tour and Invitational Conference last month.
The High Speed Hitters, under coach Rald Ricafort, captured their first-ever title in the league after ruling the On Tour, defeating Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the finals.
Then, Kath Arado and Savi Davison led PLDT to the Invitational’s Promised Land against the Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa University.
Bavykina, along with Invitational finals MVP Arado and conference MVP Davison, will team up with aces Mika Reyes, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Kim Fajardo.
