It was as if Savannah Davison had never left.
The dynamic Fil-Canadian outside hitter delivered a sensational performance in PLDT’s knockout quarterfinal clash against ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL On Tour on Thursday night, leading the High Speed Hitters back to the semifinals with a commanding straight-sets win.
Davison erupted for 28 points, converting half of her 50 attack attempts (25-of-50), while also contributing two blocks, one ace, and 10 excellent receptions to lift PLDT past ZUS Coffee, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.
The 26-year-old credited her seamless return to the welcoming atmosphere within the PLDT camp, which helped her regain her rhythm after an extended absence.
“I think overall, it’s just the environment that the girls are able to give me. I feel comfortable, I feel confident with them by my side, so a huge thanks to them for supporting me,” said Davison.
“Whether I’m here, whether I’m elsewhere. Just the welcome back is — you know, it feels good.”
(C) PVL Images
Davison missed the first three games of the tournament to spend time with her family in Toronto, Canada. Her break followed a grueling schedule that included PLDT’s campaign in the All-Filipino Conference and the AVC Champions League just months prior.
She returned to the lineup during the tail end of PLDT’s group stage stint in Cebu, seeing limited action as the coaching staff slowly eased her back into game shape.
But for head coach Rald Ricafort, the high stakes of the quarterfinals — and the caliber of their opponent — necessitated Davison’s return to the starting unit.
“Yun naman din yung isa sa goals namin — na pagbalik niya, unti-unti muna ‘yung pag-integrate sa lineup. At the same time, ganun din kasi ‘yung respect namin sa ZUS, lalo na kina Jov na ilang games na nagpo-produce ng double digits,” said Ricafort.
“Yun na ‘yung hinanap namin, ‘yung pangontra talaga — which is ‘yung kay Sav. Bonus na lang din na nasalo niya ‘yung load na usually pinaghahatian nila, either Kiesha, Jovy, Kianna, tapos ‘yung mga middles namin. Hopefully, maayos pa namin para ‘di pa marami ‘yung attempts ni Savi,” he added.
With the win, PLDT advanced to its first semifinals appearance since the 2024 Reinforced Conference — an achievement Davison is embracing with a composed mindset.
“Not much has changed,” she said. “The girls have made it more than a welcoming environment for me to come back to, and just the adjustments that I have to make are personal and not so much team-wide.”
Buoyed by her explosive return and backed by a cohesive squad, Davison now looks poised to propel the High Speed Hitters even deeper into the tournament.
