In her first full game since the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference playoffs, Savannah Davison erupted for 28 points to power PLDT past ZUS Coffee, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19, and into the semifinals of the 2025 PVL On Tour on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Davison made a thunderous return to the starting unit in the knockout match against the Thunderbelles. She unleashed 25 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while also contributing 10 excellent receptions to lead the High Speed Hitters into the next round.
It was a fitting comeback for the 26-year-old spiker, who missed PLDT’s first three games and saw only limited minutes in the next two during the Cebu stop of the preseason tilt, after spending extended time with her family in Canada.
(C) PVL Images
“‘Yun naman din ‘yung isa sa goal namin from pagbalik niya [Savannah], unti-unti muna ‘yung pag-integrate sa lineup,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, explaining Davison’s gradual reintroduction in their recent matches.
“Ganun din kasi ‘yung respect namin sa ZUS, lalo kina Jov [Gonzaga], na ilang games na nagpo-produce ng double digits. So ‘yun na ‘yung pinakahinanap namin na pangontra talaga, which is ‘yun nga kay Sav,” he added.
The victory extended PLDT’s unbeaten run to six games, setting up a semifinal showdown on Tuesday at 6:30 PM against the winner of the Creamline–Farm Fresh quarterfinal. It marks PLDT’s first semifinal appearance since the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Jovie Prado added 10 points off eight attacks and two aces, along with six excellent digs, while Kianna Dy chipped in eight markers for the High Speed Hitters.
Veteran playmaker Kim Fajardo steered the offense with 19 excellent sets and added two points of her own. Kath Arado anchored the defense with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 19-minute match.
(C) PVL Images
On the other side, ZUS Coffee appeared to run out of steam following their grueling five-set thriller against Choco Mucho just two days prior.
AC Miner led the Thunderbelles with 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks. Meanwhile, Chinnie Arroyo contributed 10 points and seven excellent digs in the losing effort.
