PLDT boosts lineup

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT picked up last season’s top libero Kath Arado from the free agency yesterday to strengthen its floor defense as it shoots for a strong finish in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference tentatively unfurling Feb. 16 in Paco, Manila or Tagaytay.

The High Speed Hitters also brought in middle-blocker Jessey de Leon and outside hitter Mean Mendrez. , who suited up along with Arado for 2021 third placer Petro Gazz in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Arado, De Leon and Mendrez will join a few remnants of the team that include Eli Soyud, Chin Basas and Nieza Viray.

They’ve let go of multi-titled coach Roger Gorayeb, Isa Molde, Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh, Shola Alvarez and Alyssa Eroa among others.

The Manny V. Pangilinan Group of Companies-owned franchise had also tapped George Pascua to succeed Gorayeb and changed their moniker with hopes of contending for the championship.

The squad is expected to announce its other recruits soon.

The volleyball community was abuzz with talks that the High Speed Hitters could land popular middle blocker Mika Reyes, who was left without a team after Sta. Lucia Realty recently disbanded.

The club finished seventh out of 10 with a 3-6 record a season back.