Kath Arado with her team, the PLDT High Speed Hitters. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — The hard work has finally paid off for PLDT skipper Kath Arado.
PLDT has won its breakthrough Premier Volleyball League (PVL) title on Sunday after sweeping the "On Tour" preseason contest, capped by a 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8 triumph over Chery Tiggo in the knockout final.
READ: PLDT overcomes Chery Tiggo in final, snags PVL on Tour title
This marked the team's best finish in the league, and Arado's best finish in her career.
Looking back, it was a tough era for the Rald Ricafort-coached squad, marred with challenges including player injuries.
"Sobrang proud lang po talaga kasi since Day 1 talaga 'yung sacrifices ng team, lalo na 'yung coaches, lalo na 'yung tutok nila every game, every team na makakalaban namin talagang hands on talaga kami," said Arado during the championship presser.
READ: Savi Davison, PLDT's scoring machine, is finally a PVL champion
"'Yun nga 'yung sinasabi namin binibigay na ng mga coaches sa amin eh so iaapply na lang. Sobrang proud kasi 'yung journey namin from scratch talaga eh. From injuries, parang hindi natatapos yung injuries so ngayon kami nakumpleto so sobrang saya ko kasi finally champion and kumpleto kami," Arado expressed.
One of the most prominent defensive specialists in the country, Arado also netted another Best Libero nod to her name, after previously winning this individual plum thrice in the league.
READ: Mika Reyes shines in first-ever PVL final, claims top plum
"Sa ngayon kasi hindi ko ma-explain kung ano 'yung nafi-feel ko talaga, parang sobrang grateful lang talaga ako na naging part ako ng team na 'to na sila coach 'yung kasama ko, mga teammates ko. Sabi ko nga sobrang proud na sila 'yung kasama ko na may suot nitong (championship) tshirt na ito," the University of the East product added.
The grind won't stop just yet for Arado and the High Speed Hitters as they take part in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference, already commencing this Thursday, August 21.
Their first task is their fellow On Tour finalist, Chery Tiggo, scheduled at 6:30 p.m.
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