CEBU CITY — When PLDT opened its 2025 PVL On Tour campaign without star outside hitter Savannah Davison, many wondered how the High Speed Hitters would cope without their top scorer.
But inside the team, there was no panic—only preparation.
Kiesha Bedonia and Jovie Prado took center stage in Davison’s absence, proving that PLDT’s depth runs deeper than expected. Elevated to the starting lineup following Fiola Ceballos’ offseason departure, the duo seized the opportunity and helped steer PLDT to a spotless sweep of Pool A, securing an outright quarterfinal berth.
Bedonia, just 22, impressed with her consistency, averaging 11.6 points per game. Prado, a seasoned 28-year-old, followed closely behind with 10.6, showing she remains a reliable threat when it matters most.
“They’re two really strong players, they give me a hard time in practice so I wasn’t surprised that they showed up and put up points,” said Davison, who sat out the first three games and only returned for limited minutes during their final two matches at the USJ-R Coliseum against Nxled and Galeries Tower.
“I wouldn’t say [they] filled in, I would say more just like they did everything that they’ve been doing,” she added. “I’m glad they had the chance and opportunity and I’m glad that they finished it out. Their defense, service, they’re completely capable of handling everything on their own. I’m just proud of them, always.”
Davison, the reigning Best Outside Hitter of the last All-Filipino Conference, kept herself game-ready during her absence, training hard to stay sharp and in rhythm.
“I think for me, I’m just glad to be back with the team. It’s nice to be a part of something and contribute whether I’m on the court, off the court, whatever I can do,” she said.
Head coach Rald Ricafort, who made the strategic call to rest Davison early, was proud of how his revamped core delivered—especially with Bedonia and Prado carrying the load.
“Proud ako sa players, lalo ‘yung anim. Nakikita niyo naman, hangga’t kaya kong hindi gamitin si Savi para lang ‘yung improvement tsaka yung exposure dun sa dalawa [Prado and Bedonia], masagad namin,” Ricafort said.
