MANILA, Philippines – PLDT has added star middle blocker Mika Reyes to its rebooted roster as it gears up for the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference tentatively scheduled February 16 in Paco, Manila or Tagaytay City.
“First of all, it was a big factor that I like the team composition of PLDT and it is looking for middles,” said the 27-year-old Reyes, who last played for a disbanded Sta. Lucia Realty a year ago.
“And out of all the teams who made the offer, they were the ones who I felt showed they want me. I was really surprised of their interest so I’m very grateful,” she added.
Reyes will rejoin with former Sta. Lucia teammates Jovie Prado and Dell Palomata, who were also acquired a few days before.
The former La Salle standout is also intrigued to play under George Pascua, who was appointed the High Speed Hitters’ coach two weeks back.
“It will be a good experience for me to adjust to his (Pascua) system. I have full trust in his goals for the team as well as my teammates,” said Reyes.
Other new PLDT recruits were Kath Arado, Jessey de Leon, Mean Mendrez, Wendy Semana, Fiola Ceballos and Lhara Clavano.
They joined a team that has retained Eli Soyud, Chin Basas and Nieza Viray among others.
Expectation would be sky high for a PLDT team that has gone on a recruiting spree after a seventh-place performance last season in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Meanwhile, Creamline opposite spiker Michele Gumabao took a leave this conference to focus on the elections where she is running for a seat for her party-list group Mothers for Change alongside Mocha Uson.
“I’m on an indefinite leave of absence but I’m still with Creamline,” said the 29-year-old Gumabao during an interview with One PH’s Wag Po program.