PLDT libero-captain Kath Arado wins PVL Invitational Finals MVP. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — PLDT libero-captain Kath Arado had just made history as the first-ever Finals MVP awardee in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
It was an unexpected development for Arado, who was used to seeing spikers win this specific award.
But it was a well-deserved honor for the veteran libero who took on the challenge of slowing down Kobe Shinwa University's offense and stalled their bid for an upset, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, in the knockout final of the 2025 Invitational on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
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The High Speed Hitters took the title for themselves by keeping their record unscathed in two straight tournaments.
"'Yung finals MVP hindi ko talaga alam na meron palang ganun na libero, pwede mag-finals MVP," said Arado in disbelief.
Arado was beaming with pride, expressing that she's happy of the team for surpassing all the hurdles, including player injuries.
READ: PVL: PLDT outlasts Kobe Shinwa to claim Invitational title
"Happy, at the same time parang proud sa team kasi ang layo ng pinagdaanan. 'Yung pinagdaanan namin since Day 1 na kami-kami. 'Yung itong grupo na 'to na kailangan ma-maintain 'yung injury-free. Happy kasi nga doon na kami galing, 'yung mga dami ng injury sa amin. So, masaya at parang cloud nine."
Arado, who registered 22 excellent digs, said they can celebrate in peace now after this.
"'Yung last time [PVL on Tour], 'yung una parang naka-mindset pa rin kami na may game pa tayo. So, wala muna celebration, medyo putol pa," she said. "Sobrang saya ko and sobrang proud."
Aside from the Finals MVP, she was also named Invitational Best Libero.
Before Arado, Dawn Macandili-Catindig previously made history when she was named Finals MVP in UAAP Season 80 as well as regular season MVP in the All-Filipino Conference of the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga in 2016.