It’s mind over matter for Savannah Davison as PLDT gears up for its final push toward a second straight Premier Volleyball League crown.
Now on the brink after a grueling campaign that began with their preseason championship run and continued through to the PVL Invitational title match, Davison vowed to be both physically and mentally ready for the challenge on Sunday.
“I don’t wanna put a number to it, but mentally, I’m there. If I speak it out into the world, then it becomes true, so mind over matter. But you know, obviously, come the day of [the Final], I’m gonna be physically prepared and mentally prepared,” said the Fil-Canadian outside hitter.
“So, especially with the help and support of our team, you know, every individual is kind of in charge and responsible for their own. So, the best I could do is just be ready myself,” she added.
The 26-year-old spiker turned in an explosive performance to help the High Speed Hitters dispatch ZUS Coffee in four sets, 24-26, 25-17, 25-17, 25-14. They completed a sweep of the elimination round while extending their winning streak to 12 matches.
Davison finished with 26 points built on 24 attacks and two kill blocks, while also tallying 12 excellent digs and seven perfect receptions. The victory marked the second straight time PLDT swept the preliminaries, having also gone 5-0 in the PVL On Tour group stage.
For Davison, their consecutive sweeps show the team’s focus and resilience, especially against tough competition.
(C) PVL Images
“I think it speaks more than words going into a tournament and having to play back-to-back [games] every other day, especially for the other teams that are performing as well. But, you know, we take it seriously. We go into every game with the right mindset,” Davison said.
“And, you know, obviously, we came a little short in the first set, but we were able to take the last three. So, kind of going into the Finals, we want to take whatever lessons learned, you know, take out whatever opportunities they give us, the opponents, and kind of maximize whatever potential we have there,” she added.
With the elimination round behind them and momentum firmly on their side, Davison said she’s eager to embrace the pressure of the Final.
“Like I said before, I love the pressure. So, I’m looking forward to just the day in general, having, you know, practice in the morning and kind of going to the game and, you know, ending on a bang, trying to show everybody that we can do it again,” she said.
“So, you know, we’re gonna rest, recoup, and then, you know, study, and kind of go into that Finals day with everything that we have. So, very excited, very excited to do it with this team, especially.”
PLDT will battle the winner of the Kobe Shinwa University–Chery Tiggo semifinal in the championship match on Sunday at 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
