By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Christine Joy “Eli” Soyud and Aklanon Dell Palomata will spearhead the revamped PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL), which is being targeted to start next month.

The Bago City, Negros Occidental-native Soyud formalized her return with the High Speed Hitters after serving as one of the vital cogs for the squad in the 2021 PVL Open Conference.
Soyud, a former De La Salle University Lady Spikers and Adamson University Falcons hitter, was one of the consistent contributors for PLDT last season but the squad fell short of reaching the semifinals.
Before moving to the High Speed Hitters last year, the 5-foot-11 Soyud had previous stints with the Motolite Power Builders, Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors and Generika-Ayala Lifesavers.
Apart from the 26-year-old Soyud, also agreeing to return for another tour of duty with the High Speed Hitters were veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan, Toni Rose Basas and Nieza Viray.
Palomata, meanwhile, is making a transfer to the High Speed Hitters following the decision of her former team Lady Realtors to take a leave of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palomata is not the only transferee for the PLDT as the squad also came to terms with 2021 PVL Open Conference best libero Kath Arado, Jessey de Leon, Mean Mendrez, and Jovielyn Prado.
The High Speed Hitters underwent a massive facelift this offseason by tapping many-time Philippine Superliga champion coach George Pascua as its new mentor, replacing veteran Roger Gorayeb.
“Happy and excited kasi napunta ako sa team na isa sa mga pioneer na teams na sa volleyball,” said Pascua. “Hindi ko inexpect kasi marami silang ina-eye na head coach. Kinausap nila ako sa kanilang mga plans at nagkaroon kami ng collaborations.”
“Pero siyempre it’s a process and we can’t get that in a blink of an eye. Kailangan ma-form namin ‘yung chemistry ng mga bata at nung team. May mga skills na ‘yan but kailangan makuha nila ‘yung system natin,” he added./ASC, WDJ