Savannah Davison is bracing for a tough test against a determined Choco Mucho side in a crucial showdown that could make or break PLDT’s semifinals hopes in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series.
The High Speed Hitters were in a favorable position in the tightly contested semifinals race, but saw their bid for a fourth consecutive win fall short against Farm Fresh last Tuesday. They quickly regained their footing, however, with a 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18 victory over Galeries Tower on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes firmly alive.
Now tied with Choco Mucho at 4-3, the High Speed Hitters’ chances of securing a top-four finish hinge on their final elimination-round assignment against the Flying Titans on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Davison, however, expects no easy passage against the Flying Titans, who are coming off a confidence-boosting victory over longtime tormentors Creamline.
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“I think coming off their win, they’re also motivated, and I think today makes us tied in the rankings. I think we know that they are coming in strong, and this is also motivation for us,” said the Fil-Canadian hitter, who finished with 21 points against the Highrisers.
“So, I think we really have to dive in on our side especially, and kind of work on the things that we need to work on, and not so much focus on their side, but how we can play to our full potential coming off this game,” she added.
Meanwhile, Davison said PLDT received a timely boost with the return of head coach Rald Ricafort, who missed the High Speed Hitters’ three-game winning streak after falling ill.
Assistant coach Arnold Laniog handled the coaching duties during Ricafort’s absence and has continued to call the plays even after the head coach’s return, giving the squad another reliable voice on the sidelines.
Davison welcomed Ricafort’s return, saying that having both coaches involved provides the team with different perspectives and more options for making adjustments depending on the opponent.
“It’s nice to have Coach Rald back because instead of one head coach, parang lahat sila, they’re all helping us. Regardless of anong perspective they’re giving us, they’re providing information and letting us adjust depending sa team,” said Davison.
Ultimately, Davison stressed the importance of keeping everyone on the same page, believing that a united team with a shared understanding and direction would be a much tougher opponent to beat.
“Because if we’re all on the same page, if we’re all ready to compete, I feel like we can give anyone a hard time. So, it’s really up to us and how our preparation goes this week, and hopefully we come prepared.”
