There is something about playing Creamline that brings out the best in Savannah Davison.
PLDT may have already been out of the running for a spot in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference championship round, but with their title defense already over, they still had one last chance to make an impact.
And they did.
Led by a fired-up Davison, PLDT denied Creamline a finals berth in a thrilling five-setter, pulling off a 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory last Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I love the atmosphere when we play Creamline. I love to compete. I love being pushed, and I think in those situations we thrive,” said the Fil-Canadian winger.
(C) PVL Images
Already out of contention, the game had no bearing on PLDT’s standing. For Davison, however, facing a team of the Cool Smashers’ caliber was more than enough reason to bring out her best.
For her, going up against the best demands the best version of herself, regardless of what is at stake in the standings.
“They are looked at as the best team. They have the legacy of being a very hard team to beat, so when you go up against the best, we want to be better,” said Davison, who erupted for a career-high 37 points in the victory.
Although PLDT fell short of reaching the championship round and defending its title, Davison believes the team’s response was just as important as the result, particularly after proving it could still compete with the league’s best.
“Although not this conference, we fell short, and it does leave a sour taste in our mouth. But I think just coming out and proving to ourselves, most importantly, that we’re able to still compete after what happened, it’s a really good thing,” Davison said.
Now, with another meeting against Creamline looming in the bronze medal match, Davison is once again welcoming the challenge.
“Sarap! Let’s go!” she said.
