Savi Davison refused to let PLDT falter.
Matching her career-high with 34 points, the explosive Fil-Canadian outside hitter spearheaded the High Speed Hitters’ comeback from a sluggish start.
She willed them past No. 9 ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24, to secure a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
PLDT, which grabbed its fifth straight win, will battle fifth-ranked Choco Mucho in the best-of-three quarters.
(C) PVL Images
“Credits to ZUS pinaghandaan din talaga nila, nagpakita sila ng ibang match-up. Nagulat kami nung first set, pero at least naka-recover kami at naka-perform kami nung endgame nung fourth set. Napaka-importante,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
The Thunderbelles threatened to extend the match to a deciding set after Kate Santiago sent them to set point in the fourth with an off-the-block hit, 24-23.
But Davison went for a cut shot for her 34th point to force a deuce. From there, Erika Santos and Fiola Ceballos hammered back-to-back hits for the PLDT victory after two hours and a minute.
“It was just the mentality shift from preliminaries to the playoff round. Coach told the team earlier that it’s a long road from here to the championship, so we just need to set a standard and play from there,” said Davison, who achieved her 34 points by 32 attacks and two aces along with 11 receptions.
Kim Fajardo stepped up with 15 excellent sets and five points after starting playmaker Angge Alcantara went down late in the first set after stepping on the foot of the opponent.
Santos added 13 points.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, the Thunderbelles dropped to the play-in tournament after losing for a fourth consecutive time.
Chai Troncoso led ZUS Coffee with a conference-high 20 points on 17 attacks, two aces, and a block, along with seven receptions. Meanwhile, Jovelyn Gonzaga chimed in 11 points and 10 digs.
Chinnie Arroyo and Thea Gagate also got nine points each in the loss.
