Savannah Davison took charge as PLDT clawed back from a 1-2 set deficit to stun Creamline in five sets, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, and punched its ticket to its first-ever Finals appearance in the 2025 PVL On Tour on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Davison exploded for eight crucial points in the fifth set to cap a 34-point outing — just one point shy of her career high — on 30 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, alongside nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
And her performance led the High Speed Hitters’ remarkable comeback.
The Fil-Canadian outside hitter, recharged after sitting out late in the fourth set, ignited the decider with three of PLDT’s first four points, sparking a 4-1 run that gave the High Speed Hitters early momentum. But the Cool Smashers refused to go down without a fight.
With seasoned veterans Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez leading the charge, Creamline stayed close, closing in at 10-9 after the duo delivered back-to-back clutch plays.
However, Davison shifted into overdrive. She hammered a thunderous spike over Michele Gumabao’s late challenge before bulldozing through a double block.
She then capped the surge with a razor-sharp cut shot that left the defense frozen — restoring order for the High Speed Hitters at 13-9.
Valdez then faltered with a costly attack that clipped the antenna, but Gumabao quickly stopped the bleeding for the Cool Smashers with a scorching cross-court hit that deflected off Kianna Dy’s hands.
With all her might, Davison slammed a powerful shot through the hands of Sheena Toring, punctuating a breathtaking performance that propelled her squad to its maiden championship match appearance.
(C) PVL Images
“It’s surreal,” said the 27-year-old winger from Toronto, still in shock from the recent events, after helping PLDT move within reach of sweeping the preseason tilt.
“You know, I can’t wrap my head around it yet. Maybe in an hour or two, but I’m sure tomorrow, when we start talking about it, it’ll kind of hit. But I’m just proud of everybody, I’m proud to be a part of it all, I’m super proud of our community that supports us, that loves us, it’s just great.”
Facing elimination, the High Speed Hitters unleashed a blistering surge in the fourth set that carried over into the deciding frame. They completed a spirited comeback to extend their winning streak to seven games.
The win sets up a championship clash with Chery Tiggo on Sunday at 6:30 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Their dominant fourth-set performance proved pivotal, allowing Davison to catch her breath and deliver a stunning display in the final set.
“Yun nga, in a way sa tingin ko lang, nakatulong ‘yung naging rest niya nung fourth set. Pagbalik niya kasi nung fifth set, na-relax na siya ulit eh,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort as his team moved on the verge of sweeping the preseason tilt.
Kianna Dy finished with 14 points, while Majoy Baron added nine — including three blocks. Mika Reyes and Jovie Prado also contributed eight points each to help secure the win for the High Speed Hitters in a match that lasted two hours and 26 minutes.
Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets and added two points. Meanwhile, Kath Arado anchored the floor defense with 23 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs, snapping Creamline’s streak of seven straight Finals appearances.
(C) PVL Images
The Cool Smashers — who played without stars Tots Carlos, Bea De Leon, and Bernadeth Pons throughout the tourney — missed the finale for the first time since the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Galanza led Creamline with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks, while Valdez finished with a triple-double of 18 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs in the heartbreaking loss.
Gumabao contributed 16 points, and Jeanette Panaga added 11 markers, six coming from blocks.
Kyle Negrito dished out 24 excellent sets and scored four points, while Denden Lazaro-Revilla recorded 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
The Cool Smashers aim to keep their podium streak alive — extending it to 18 straight — when they face Cignal in the bronze match on Sunday at 4:00 PM.
