By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The PLDT High Speed Hitters have completed their roster buildup for the 2026-2027 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season with the addition of outside hitter Joan Marie Monares and middle blocker Winnie Bedaña.

PLDT announced the signing of Negrense Monares, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout, as the final piece of its recruitment efforts ahead of the new season.

Monares, a former Bacolod Tay Tung High School mainstay, entered the professional ranks as an undrafted player in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft before landing a spot with the High Speed Hitters.

The club also formally welcomed Bedaña, who joined the High Speed Hitters as a free-agent acquisition after her stint with the Galeries Tower Highrisers.

The additions strengthen a PLDT squad looking to improve its standing when the PVL On Tour competition begins next month.

At the same time, the High Speed Hitters confirmed the departure of veterans Anj Legacion and Zenneth Perolino.

The team thanked both players for their contributions, noting that while their playing opportunities were limited, they played important roles in training and in helping the club’s core players develop.

The roster moves mark the latest changes for the High Speed Hitters as they continue preparations for the upcoming PVL season./ASC, WDJ