PLDT libero Kath Arado proved to be the driving force behind the High Speed Hitters' triumphant journey in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals.
With their final hopes hanging in the balance, Arado's masterclass in the backline rescued her team from the brink of elimination, guiding them to a thrilling 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 victory against Kinh B?c-B?c Ninh at the Philsports Arena on Monday night.
The former national team stalwart showcased her exceptional skills, amassing 21 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, effectively neutralizing the relentless attacks of the hard-hitting Vietnamese side. Arado's performance was nothing short of extraordinary, and she humbly credited her teammates for their unwavering support on the court.
"Perhaps because I don't worry about my teammates. I know that even if the ball doesn't come to me, they'll find a way to give it to ate Rhea [Dimaculangan] so that we won't have a hard time setting up the play," said Arado with a smile of confidence.
She expressed her lack of fear despite facing a formidable opponent, highlighting the seamless teamwork that allowed her to focus on her role without distractions. The trust she had in her fellow players fostered an unshakeable synergy, creating a well-oiled defensive machine that thwarted the Vietnamese onslaught.
The High Speed Hitters embarked on the semifinals with a slight advantage, having secured a 0-1 head start from their previous victory over Creamline during the group phase. However, a daunting defeat against Cignal in the early stages of the semifinals left them with a precarious 0-2 record.
Undeterred, the team found redemption and turned their fortunes around by delivering a stunning straight-set victory against the heavily-favored F2 Logistics. Arado revealed that their meticulous preparation for the Cargo Movers had a significant impact on their clash with Kinh B?c-B?c Ninh, as both teams shared a similar style of play.
"Maybe because we really watched them during their first game against Japan [Kurashiki]. We already knew that their blockings are really solid," shared the UE product.
-1198.jpg)
