Denied a reign extension, dethroned PLDT made sure it wouldn’t leave the Smart Araneta Coliseum empty-handed.

Behind Savi Davison’s offensive outburst and steady support from Jovy Prado, the High Speed Hitters salvaged a measure of pride by copping the bronze medal at the expense of favored Creamline, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, in the 2026-2027 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference conclusion on Tuesday.

PLDT displayed grace under pressure with a tough fightback from a three-point deficit in the closing stretch of the fourth set to complete its domination of the Cool Smashers in the season-opening conference.

The High Speed Hitters, who won the crown last year via sweep but surrendered their reign after costly back-to-back losses in the preliminary round, finished the conference with three straight wins including consecutive victories over Creamline. 

“Definitely, we’ve learned a lot from this. That’s what is demanded from us: to show up and play an almost perfect game to reach our goal,” PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said.

“We will bring the lessons for the next conference (All-Filipino). We’re able to build momentum but we need to be better for the next conference. But we’re very happy that for the last two conferences we’re able to take third place,” he added.

Davison delivered monster numbers with 29 points built on 26 kills and three aces while contributing 15 digs and 13 excellent receptions for the High Speed Hitters, whose victory was aided by the Cool Smashers’ 25 errors.

“I’m just so happy we won. I can’t stop smiling. I know it’s not enough for us, but I think we were able to do our best. Given our circumstances, given what we were handed,” said the Filipino-Canadian, who dropped a career-best 37 points last Sunday in a five-set escape over Creamline. 

“So, for me, I don’t really like to talk numbers much. As long as I can help in some capacity, I’m happy with that. In past conferences, fatigue usually sets in later on,” she added.

Prado provided support with 12 points, 10 coming from kills, and 15 excellent receptions while Kim Kianna Dy had 10 markers. Mika Reyes scored eight, libero Kath Arado had 17 digs and Kim Fajardo tallied 15 excellent sets to help PLDT convert 59 attack points.

PLDT had some anxious moments in the fourth set after Creamline took a 19-16 advantage.

The High Speed Hitters answered with four straight points to get in front, 20-19. It turned into a see-saw battle with Prado shattering a 21-21 tie to get PLDT back on top.

Davison gave PLDT more breathing room, 23-21, but Prado fumbled on her serve in the next play. Davison got the point back with a kill before finishing off the Cool Smashers with an off the block kill off the hands of Creamline’s 6-foot-5 Jaja Santiago-Minowa.

The Cool Smashers tried a desperate video challenge on the last play but were unsuccessful as PLDT celebrated its hard-earned win and podium finish.

Creamline, which was fancied to win it all with the addition of Minowa, closed the conference with three straight defeats after a 3-0 start.

Minowa had 19 markers on 13 kills, three aces and three kill blocks to pace the Cool Smashers. Jema Galanza had 16 points and nine digs, Tots Carlos added 11 points while Ishie Lalongisip finished with 10 in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, Farm Fresh took fifth place after sweeping Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15. 

 Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina scored 14 points each for the Foxies.