Savannah Davison knows PLDT cannot afford to rest on its laurels after its statement victory over defending champion Creamline, as the High Speed Hitters brace for a crucial stretch that could determine their semifinal fate in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series.
After dropping their first two games of the tournament, the High Speed Hitters have since turned their campaign around, taking down Capital1, ZUS Coffee, and the Cool Smashers to climb up the standings and forge a tie with Choco Mucho and Farm Fresh for third place.
“I mean, we still have a couple of tough teams to play. We have Choco Mucho, we have Farm Fresh, we have Galeries, and I think we have one more. But, I mean, just looking forward, I think we have to focus more on our side of the court,” said Davison.
“Regardless of who we play, I know that if we control the pace, if we play the way that we can, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net, I feel like we’re going to give them a hard time. So, you know, looking forward, after this win, of course, it gives us momentum.”
(C) PVL Images
PLDT showed flashes of the championship pedigree that powered it to two titles and two bronze finishes over the past year, outlasting Creamline, 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23, on Thursday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum for its third consecutive victory.
Davison led the way with 22 points, including 20 attacks, while also tallying 19 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.
“I feel like we play to our potential when we play Creamline. I don’t want to say they provoke something in us. I just feel like we can always expect them to play their best. So, out of respect, we need to play our best,” said the former league MVP.
“I mean, with any other team, you have to play your best in order to respect that team. But knowing Creamline, knowing their history, their dynasty, I feel like there’s kind of no pressure on us when we play them. Because if they beat us, they deserve it. If we beat them, we deserve it,” she added.
Despite the significance of the victory, the 27-year-old winger stressed that the High Speed Hitters cannot afford to get carried away, with plenty of ground still to cover after their forgettable 0-2 start put them behind in the semifinal race.
With Farm Fresh, Galeries Tower, and Choco Mucho still awaiting them in their remaining schedule, Davison emphasized the importance of staying sharp and making the most of every opportunity as PLDT looks to strengthen its semifinal bid.
“But, you know, I like to think that we start from ground zero every time after a match. So, we’ll just see for the next one how we train and how we prepare.”
