Thrown into the spotlight, Kiesha Bedonia didn’t just show up — she showed out.
Called upon to fill the void left by absent and departed key players, the 22-year-old spiker delivered a career-defining performance as she powered PLDT to a 25-18, 25-21, 28-26 sweep of Farm Fresh to open their 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour campaign on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With Savannah Davison still in Canada, rookie Alleiah Malaluan sidelined, and veterans Erika Santos and Fiola Ceballos no longer on the roster, the seldom-used Bedonia finally got her moment — and made the most of it.
She tallied 14 points built on 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while also anchoring the floor defense with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions in a complete all-around showcase.
It was a performance that didn’t come by accident. For weeks, Bedonia had quietly been putting in the work behind the scenes — responding to the challenge laid out by her coaching staff.
“‘Nung una pa lang po, pagbalik namin nasabihan na ako ni coach nun eh na i-prepare ko lang ‘yung sarili ko mentally and physically po,” Bedonia said, recalling the early words of encouragement and responsibility.
“Kasi maraming umalis sa amin, parang ayun, double din ‘yung training ko, doble rin ‘yung inano ko sa physical and mental ko so ‘yun lang po. Sinunod ko lang din po sila coach, ‘yung mga coaches ko lalo na sa passing, defense, and offense po.”
There was nothing easy about stepping into the role of a go-to scorer, much less under the spotlight of the PVL stage. Despite her composed presence on the court, Bedonia admitted that the mental grind of preparing to start was a challenge in itself.
“Sobrang hirap po lalo na po sa mentally. Tuwing gabi po as in, lalo na these past few days po, ang inaaral ko po talaga ‘yung mga plays nila,” she shared.
“Parang sobrang hirap kasi kinabukasan, i-prepare mo ‘yung sarili mo sa mga gagawin mo inside the court.”
But all that preparation paid off in full.
With poise and intensity, Bedonia anchored the High Speed Hitters through key stretches — especially in the tense third set when the Foxies threatened to force a fourth frame. In those pressure-filled moments, Bedonia remained composed, delivering crucial points and solid receptions that helped PLDT stay in control and seal the sweep.
For Bedonia, the On Tour series isn't just about collecting wins. It’s a proving ground — especially for players like her, who often operate from the shadows.
“Para sa’kin naman po is sobrang laking bagay kasi mas lalong ma-boost namin ‘yung confidence namin lalo na po ‘yung mga sub lang po,” she said.
“Parang binigyan din po kami ng chance para mapakita po kung ano ‘yung meron kami at sa team.”
