Savi Davison delivered a performance for the ages as PLDT played the streak-buster role, dealing Creamline’s first defeat in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Davison unleashed a new career-high 34 points to give PLDT a much-needed lift weathering the championship poise of Creamline in a nail-biting five-set duel, 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14, on Saturday night at the jampacked Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Filipino-Canadian sensation continued to drop MVP numbers, hammering 29 kills and five blocks on top of a steady floor defense of 17 excellent receptions to snap the 2024 Grand Slam champions’ 19-game winning streak dating back to the second round of last year’s Reinforced Conference.
“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,” said Davison after handing Creamline’s first loss since its 23-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, 12-15 defeat to Petro Gazz last August 13.
With her monster performance that halted Creamline’s seeming invincibility, Davison was unanimously voted as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the duration of February 11 to 15.
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 effect on the victory that put a dent on the Cool Smashers’ shining armor, Davison said it took a village, lauding the collective effort of the High Speed Hitters and their coaches led by Rald Ricafort 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,” said Davison. “We work hard in practice by ourselves like nobody really knows so I’m glad it was represented with this game.”
Unlike their previous games where Davison was the lone star, four other PLDT players barged double digits this time with Majoy Baron getting 15 points, Fiola Ceballos contributing 14 points, and Mika Reyes and Erika Santos adding 12 and 11 markers, 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 shoutout 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,” shared Davison, crediting 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.
Davison and the High Speed Hitters wrap up their first-round campaign against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in another PVL on Tour game on Saturday next week in Passi, Iloilo.
