Two standouts looking to embrace huge responsibilities this season went separate ways on Tuesday, with Kiesha Bedonia drawing the better result in a starting role for PLDT than Alohi Robins-Hardy’s bittersweet debut with Farm Fresh.

“[The performance was] a really big thing,” the 22-year-old Bedonia said after PLDT’s 25-18, 25-21, 28-26 victory over Farm Fresh in the PVL On Tour at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. “[I]t helps boost our confidence, especially for those of us who usually come off the bench. It also gave us a chance to show what we can do for the team.”

Bedonia’s start was a necessity for the High Speed Hitters, who are missing star Savi Davison, who is in Canada for vacation. Davison is expected to return in mid-July. PLDT is also without Alas Pilipinas players Dell Palomata and first-round pick Alleiah Malaluan, who are competing in the VTV Cup in Vietnam.

The team also lost Fiola Ceballos and Erika Santos as the two hitters joined ZUS Coffee and Cignal, respectively.

“It’s really tough, especially mentally. Every night, especially these past few days, I’ve been studying the opponent’s plays. It’s hard because the next day, you need to prepare yourself for what you need to do inside the court,” said Bedonia in Filipino after chipping in 14 points to their first win in Pool A.

Robins-Hardy, meanwhile, is looking to future games for her first victory with the Foxies.

“It’s bittersweet. First game out there, finally my work is showing. And for our team as well. I’m proud of our girls. We’re really trusting the process. It’s a relief, honestly. It’s been way too long,” she said.

Robins-Hardy scored a block and a 1-2 play to put the Foxies with a point of claiming the third set and extending the match. But Mika Reyes came to the rescue with the equalizing quick attack and the game-winning block.

“I’m not super satisfied, but I know I can play. I can move well. And I think that comes with my experience. So I think coaching is really helping with that too in his system. I think we’re flowing pretty well. It’s always going to have work to be done, so it’s a good thing,” said Robins-Hardy.

“It’s awesome. I mean, it’s been a while, obviously. The last time I actually played in a game was back in 2019, 2020 maybe, I think. And it feels good. I mean, there were a lot of fans. Obviously not for our game, but it feels good. The fan base is always super supportive, always loud, so it’s nice.”

The Filipino American setter last played in the country with Cignal in the defunct Philippine Superliga.

Despite losing their first game, the 6-foot-3 playmaker relished the opportunity to play with Louie Romero and young guns Trisha Tubu, Jolina Dela Cruz and Rizza Cruz.

“Last year I was able to train with them as well. And they’ve come a long way since last year, even a few months ago. I’m excited to see how they progress even more. They’re going to help us win games,” she said.

PLDT will travel to Iligan City to play an even tougher foe in reigning All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz and later on Choco Mucho. Those games are slated on July 12 and July 13, respectively.

Setter Kim Fajardo was also brilliant for PLDT, which also got the goods from the veteran Mika Reyes and Jovy Prado even as Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with 14 points.

“We’re taking this conference as a big challenge, especially since once again, we’re not complete,” coach Rald Ricafort said.

“For players like Kiesha, [this is their chance] because we all worked hard in our preparations,” he added. With reports from Lance D. Agcaoili, INQ