PLDT shored up its frontline with a timely pickup, signing 5-foot-10 middle blocker Seth Rodriguez ahead of the 2026 PVL season.
The two-time champions welcomed the 27-year-old former Chery Tiggo standout on Saturday evening, making her the High Speed Hitters’ first acquisition of the offseason.
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Rodriguez’s arrival comes at an opportune time for PLDT, which is set to open the 2026 All-Filipino Conference without key Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Dell Palomata.
The 6-foot-3 defender was cleared by the club to play overseas for the Medan Falcons in the 2026 Indonesian Proliga, a stint that will run until May.
READ: Dell Palomata to remain under PLDT stable after Indonesia stint
Palomata is expected to rejoin PLDT for the remainder of the PVL season once her international duties conclude.
With a short-term void to fill in the middle, PLDT wasted little time finding a capable replacement.
The dissolution of Chery Tiggo earlier this offseason left several experienced players on the market, and Rodriguez quickly emerged as a logical fit for the High Speed Hitters’ system.
Since the Crossovers’ disbandment was announced in early December, Rodriguez has become the fifth former Chery Tiggo player to secure a new home in the league. Cess Robles, Ren Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor were absorbed into the Strong Group Athletics stable, while Alina Bicar made the move to Choco Mucho.
Rodriguez is expected to slot into a veteran core that includes Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Zen Perolino and Mary Anne Esguerra, giving head coach Rald Ricafort multiple options at the net as the High Speed Hitters look to sustain their championship form.
With the All-Filipino Conference fast approaching, Rodriguez’s signing not only addresses an immediate need but also reinforces PLDT’s intent to remain firmly in title contention despite key absences early in the season.
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