SCHEDULE: Petro Gazz, Creamline, PLDT at 2025 AVC Champions League

MANILA, Philippines — Inspired by the opportunity to play internationally–this time, with PLDT–Kath Arado proved that she still capable of providing a steady floor defense against the top Asian spikers.

Behind PLDT’s gallant stand from two sets down against Nakhon Ratchasima was Arado’s tremendous floor defense as she finished with 28 digs and nine excellent receptions.

READ: AVC Champions League: PLDT come out of loss to Thais ready for what lies ahead

“I’m just really enjoying the game right now. Opportunities like this don’t come often, so I’m making the most of it. When I found out who we were grouped with, I got really excited — and even before the game, I was already getting into the proper mindset,” said Arado in Filipino. “During training, I really studied what our opponents were going to do. I’m super thankful to my teammates too, because it wasn’t easy, but they were there to guide and support me.”

Despite the 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15 loss,  Arado said she was happy with how her teammates pushed the Thais to their limits–especially fit-again teammates Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo.

PLDT High Speed Hitters in action during the AVC Champions’ League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m really happy with how the team played. Our progress is slowly paying off. What makes me even happier is that our teammates who were injured, like Ate Kiana and Ate Kim, are slowly getting back. The coaches aren’t putting pressure on them, but just seeing them return lifts our spirits. It feels good to have the team getting complete again,” she said.

The former national team libero said it was Nakhon Ratchasima’s experience and steady defense that made the biggest different as the Devil Cat completed an elimination round sweep and set a quarterfinal duel against Creamline.

“It was really their defense — their blocking and floor coverage. We already expected that, and our coaches reminded us even before the game started: don’t rely on power alone. They’re used to that. We needed to play smart. That’s where we still fall short — they’ve got that veteran experience, that kind of craftiness. But we’re learning from it, and we’ll apply it in the next games,” said Arado.

Arado and the High Speed Hitters will be bringing their confidence to the quarterfinals against Zhetysu of Kazakhstan on Thursday.

“Our mindset is to continue what we started here in Thailand. Kazakhstan is also a tall team, so we can’t go head-to-head with just power — the ball will just come right back to us. So we really need to study their movements and come in with a smart game plan,” she said.