PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Wilma Salas during the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Wilma Salas, it’s always a pleasure playing in the Philippines after reinforcing PLDT in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League.

Her stint may have only lasted for three games after the High Speed Hitters  lost 13-25, 22-25, 20-25 loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in the knockout quarterfinals on Thursday at Philsports Arena, but Salas was thrilled to play in the Philippines, once again.

READ: PLDT’s Wilma Salas says returning to play in PH an ‘easy decision’

“I say [after] the first conference, I feel like [I’m] home with PLDT. I will go back to my country happy. This opportunity is good for me, that’s why I would like to thank [everyone] for the opportunity to represent the Philippines. Philippines is in my heart every time, so, thank you for this,” said Salas, who delivered 11 points.

The Cuban spiker made her third trip in the Philippines with new club PLDT after her two stints with Petro Gazz, winning the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference and last year’s edition, where they got eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Salas admitted it was tough to stop the taller Kazakhs from Zhetysu, but she was proud of PLDT’s gallant stand, following a five-set loss to Nakhon Ratchasima of Thailand two days ago.

READ: AVC: PLDT exits in quarterfinals with loss to Zhetysu VC

“This team (Zhetysu VC), with this level… I know… It’s like a European style, tall, and… it’s different… It’s so tall,” she said. “[Our team], we all put together inside the court. My team fought. So, I am happy for this.

Salas will make the most of her stay in the Philippines before she flies back home on Monday.