Savi Davison put on another explosive performance Saturday by powering PLDT to a 25-20, 25-16, 25-15 win over ZUS Coffee and giving the team a big boost entering the crucial stretch of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference in the City of Passi in Iloilo.

Riding high after their thrilling upset of the unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers, the High Speed Hitters showcased their firepower with Savi Davison firing 17 points after a career-high 34 against the defending champions last week.

Backed by Majoy Baron with 10 points, Erika Santos (8), Mika Reyes (7) and Fiola Ceballos (4), PLDT overwhelmed the youthful Thunderbelles to close out the preliminary round with an 8-3 (win-loss) record and the No. 4 spot.

Now set for a knockout rematch with ZUS Coffee, which finished the prelims at No. 9 with a 4-7 mark, PLDT holds a clear edge.

While anything can happen in do-or-die matches, the Thunderbelles face an uphill battle against the in-form High Speed Hitters, who are already looking ahead to the quarterfinals and tougher competition ahead.

The qualifying round begins on Thursday, with the six winners advancing to the best-of-three quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the losers will battle it out in a play-in tournament for the remaining two quarterfinal spots.

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort expressed satisfaction with his team’s straight-set victory, praising the players who stepped up to the plate.

“Our mindset is to perform well for our next opponent,” said Ricafort, emphasizing their focus on avoiding complacency.

Davison echoed the sentiment.

“We’re happy to end the round with a win and carry the momentum into the playoffs,” she said.

After cruising through the first two sets, PLDT turned a tightly contested third set — that featured six early deadlocks — into another show of dominance. An Angge Alcantara 1-2 play ignited a crucial 8-2 run, pushing the High Speed Hitters to a 14-8 lead.

ZUS Coffee fought back, briefly cutting the deficit behind Thea Gagate’s putaway, but PLDT quickly regained control. A relentless surge, capped by a Majoy Baron quick attack, sealed the victory in just one hour and 16 minutes, leaving the Thunderbelles reeling.

Chai Troncoso led ZUS Coffee with nine points, while Michelle Gamit and Thea Gagate finished with eight and six points, respectively.

The High Speed Hitters dominated in all aspects of the game, outscoring ZUS Coffee in spikes (43-30), blocks (7-3), and serves (5-4). They also capitalized on the Thunderbelles’ 20 errors while committing 14 themselves.

Kath Arado led the defense with 16 excellent digs and five receptions.

“We were all ready because we prepared for ZUS as a team, with each one focused,” said Arado, emphasizing their collective effort and strong preparation against the Thunderbelles.