PLDT’s Jovielyn Prado. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Jovielyn Prado is more than willing to step up to the challenge after PLDT coach Rald Ricafort put a premium on strengthening their wings especially if they make the playoffs.
Prado showed she is capable of plugging the hole after putting up a team-high 14 points in the High Speed Hitters’ 25-23, 25-23, 25-14 victory over Cignal in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at San Juan Arena on Saturday.
“We need to raise our standards in the wings like Mary Anne (Mendrez) and Jovie (Prado). That’s really the fight of this conference, the showdowns in the wings. Our middles are there and consistent but for us to level up, every game we expect a lot from them,” Ricafort said.
Prado said PLDT’s loss to Creamline on Tuesday lit a fire under her belly.
“When we’re down, we need our wings to be stronger so after that Creamline loss, I was inspired to be stronger because of them,” Prado said in Filipino.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as she drew praise from Ricafort.
“Jov’s job is hard because she has the responsibility to play all-around, she takes the high passes and she’s always being given opportunities on offense,” said Ricafort.
“She’s not all power, that’s what I like about her.”
A lot will be expected of Prado, who isn’t the type to shy away from a big responsibility.
“I’m used to that [responsibility]. It’s not new for me so I just take it because this is the pros, I need to push myself more.”
PLDT, which holds a 5-2 record, wraps up its elimination round campaign against Choco Mucho (2-5) on Thursday at Philsports Arena.