Joan Marie Monares joins the PLDT High Speed Hitters after earning a professional opportunity despite going undrafted in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGELIO NICOLAS III/FASTBREAK
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA — The PLDT High Speed Hitters have completed their offseason roster overhaul by signing Negrense outside hitter Joan Marie Monares and middle blocker Winnie Bedaña, bolstering their lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) campaign.
The acquisition of Monares, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout and Bacolod Tay Tung High School product, highlights PLDT’s final push to strengthen its roster as it gears up for the PVL On Tour tournament next month and a highly competitive new season.
PLDT announced Monares as the final addition to its recruitment drive, giving the High Speed Hitters another attacking option on the wing.
Monares’ signing marks a significant breakthrough in her volleyball journey after entering the professional ranks as an undrafted player in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft before eventually earning a spot with the club.
The High Speed Hitters also formally welcomed middle blocker Winnie Bedaña, who joined the team as a free-agent acquisition following her stint with the Galeries Tower Highrisers.
The additions are expected to provide PLDT with greater depth and versatility as the team seeks to improve its standing in the league and challenge the PVL’s top contenders.
At the same time, the High Speed Hitters confirmed the departure of veterans Anj Legacion and Zenneth Perolino.
The club expressed gratitude to both players for their contributions, emphasizing that despite limited playing opportunities, they played valuable roles in training sessions and in helping develop the team’s core players.
The latest roster moves cap a busy offseason for PLDT as the franchise continues its preparations for the upcoming PVL season, with Monares and Bedaña expected to play key roles in the team’s bid for a stronger campaign./PN
