PLDT signs Russian spiker for PVL Reinforced Conference

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After the Creamline Cool Smashers, the PLDT High-Speed Hitters became the second team to reveal their import for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.

In a social media post published on Sept. 16, 2025, the High-Speed Hitters welcomed Russian spiker Anastasiia Bavykina as their reinforcement for the import-laced conference.

“Join us as we officially welcome Anastasiia Bavykina to the High-Speed Hitters family!” the High-Speed Hitters posted on their official Facebook page.

The heavy-hitting spiker accepted a huge responsibility after joining a franchise that is seeking a third straight PVL crown, fresh off conference wins in the PVL On Tour and the PVL Invitational.

Bavykina last rendered her services to the Columbus Fury volleyball club based in Ohio in the Major League Professional Volleyball in the U.S.

Before embarking on overseas stints, Bavykina first honed her talent in the Russian volleyball league, where she spent the first 16 years of her professional career.

Bavykina played for Luch Moscow, Zarechie Odintsovo, Dinamo Moscow, Proton-Saratov, Dinamo Kazan, and Tulitsa Tula.

She seized her first international limelight opportunity when she received a contract from VC Kuanysh, a club in Kazakhstan, in 2023.

Bavykina not only served as an import in the U.S. and Kazakhstan, but she was also a member of the Russian national volleyball team in 2015.

Aside from her offensive prowess, Bavykina’s tall and lanky frame will boost PLDT’s signature middle blocking even more, teaming up with Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Kim Kianna Dy, and Dell Palomata.

Can Bavykina’s addition help PLDT grab its third consecutive PVL championship title?