MANILA, Philippines — Rookie setter Angge Alcantara is embracing the huge responsibility for PLDT in the absence of star setter Kim Fajardo and the departure of Rhea Dimaculangan in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

With Fajardo being sidelined with a nagging knee injury and Dimaculangan parting ways with her longtime pro club, Alcantara shone on her first game as PLDT’s main setter.

Article continues after this advertisement

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

 “Tinanggap ko lang. Bukal naman sa loob ko and inisip ko na rin na it’s my time na rin para mag-step up,” said the rookie playmaker, who had 13 excellent sets and three points in their 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22 win on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tiwala ni coach sa akin. Inembrace ko lang din yung role ko at focus lang talaga.”

Article continues after this advertisement

WATCH: PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, Savi Davison, and Angge Alcantara talk about their first win. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQpic.twitter.com/N95KoakF1S

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 12, 2024

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, who picked Alcantara eighth overall in the PVL Rookie Draft, knew that the Adamson product would be ready for the pivotal role for the High Speed Hitters. 

READ: PVL: PLDT kicks off All-Filipino bid with four-set win over Nxled

“Hindi naman kami kumuha ng parang addition lang. Alam namin yung roles na ifu-fulfill ng mga kinukuha namin. Happy kami na nakasimula nang maganda si Angge. Hopefully maging consistent all throughout,” said Ricafort.

Ricafort is confident that Alcantara and Anj Legacion are both ready to fill in the huge void. 

“Kahit inuna ko si Angge, napraktis naman namin sa preparation na ready sila pareho maging main. Regardless sinong mauna, dapat walang difference, nakaka-deliver dapat,” said Ricafort.

Despite the solid outing as a main setter, Alcantara vows to continue thriving for PLDT.

“Trabaho pa at saka may mga need na i-workout sa skills at decision-making,” said Alcantara.