Coach Ricafort explains PLDT's decision to field just two imports in AVC Champions League

Teams participating in the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League are allowed up to a maximum of three imports, but PLDT has opted to field only two reinforcements in bid to empower the locals. 

According to head coach Rald Ricafort, the club treats the tournament not just as a mere competition but also as a long-term preparation for their future PVL stints, which include an import-laced conference. 

"It’s more of a management decision," Ricafort said on Sunday.

"Isa kasi sa mga objectives is to give chance doon sa locals natin kasi mas gusto namin siyang maging longterm na ma-experience nu’ng team for next conference."

PLDT, though, didn't look far in choosing its reinforcement as the High Speed Hitters went for a familiar face in Wilma Salas, who once led Petro Gazz to its first-ever title in 2019 when they ruled the PVL Reinforced Conference. The Cuban spiker was also a former Best Import in the PVL. 

Salas is added firepower to the squad, joining mainstay Savi Davison, who is listed as import due to her Canadian affiliation.

"I’m so happy to come back here to the Philippines, this time I play for PLDT. I feel so happy because I feel like a family in this team. Incredible girls and coach. [There’s] nothing more to say about them  because I feel at home," the 34-year-old Salas said. 

Only PLDT is fielding two imports in the inaugural tournament as Creamline has tapped American Erica Staunton, Russian Anastasya Kudryashova, and Kazakh Anastassiya Kolomoyets. 

Reigning PVL All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz, meanwhile, stuck with MJ Phillips and Brooke Van Sickle, who are both classified as imports as well, together with American reinforcement Gia Day.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News