PLDT knows who to turn to when the going gets tough.
Savi Davison responded with a performance to remember as she showcased her scoring prowess and clutch play in the High Speed Hitters’ thrilling five-set win over erstwhile unbeaten Creamline’s in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
The Filipino-Canadian bomber pumped in a new career-high 34 points to lift PLDT in weathering the championship poise of the five-peat-seeking Cool Smashers in a nail-biting, 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14, decision Saturday night at the jampacked Ynares Center in Antipolo.
It was Davison who pushed PLDT two a couple of match point advantages before the High Speed Hitters completed a streak-busting victory to halt Creamline’s 19-game winning run dating back to the second round of last year’s Reinforced Conference.
Her performance did not go unnoticed as the hands down choice for the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award presented by Pilipinas Live for the duration of 11 to 15 February.
Davison submitted Most Valuable Player numbers, hammering down 29 kills and five blocks on top of a steady floor defense of 17 excellent receptions.
“Whatever it took. We were super focused from the start. We knew it was gonna be a hard game but we pulled through. Never gave up so I’m really proud of what we did today,” Davison said.
The 26-year-old hitter bested Petro Gazz star Myla Pablo, Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, and Cignal rookie Ishie Lalongisip for the weekly citation deliberated by online and print reporters covering the league, which is also streamed live on www.pvl.ph.
Despite her undeniable contribution to putting a dent in the Cool Smashers’ record, Davison deflected the credit to PLDT’s collective effort for its third straight win albeiyt coming off an 11-day break.
“Just the hard work and dedication that we put in every day. It was represented thoroughly throughout this game,” Davison said.
“We work hard in practice by ourselves like nobody really knows so I’m glad it was represented with this game.”
Davison had plenty of help bringing down a giant with four other PLDT players submitting double-digit scoring. Majoy Baron had 15 points, Fiola Ceballos added 14 while Mika Reyes and Erika Santos chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“I think it was extra special because it took every single one of us — from the bench to the people on the court. Coach was able to shuffle in a lot of people, especially shout out to Nieza (Viray), she hasn’t gotten on the court much this year but she really pulled through for us and got this win for us. Like I said, it’s a team effort regardless of what I do, everyone showed up today,” Davison shared as she credited backup libero Viray for holding the fort after Kath Arado suffered from cramps.
PLDT is tied with Cignal and Choco Mucho at 7-3, holding the fourth place with 20 points.
The High Speed Hitters wrap up their first-round campaign against ZUS Coffee on Saturday in Passi, Iloilo.