PLDT is bracing for a tough campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, where it will face a challenging Pool D that includes Thailand powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin VC and Australia’s Queensland Pirates.
Nakhon Ratchasima enters the tournament as the second-highest-ranked team at No. 13, armed with a wealth of international experience and a solid local core. Meanwhile, Queensland, despite being ranked No. 55, boasts impressive height and net presence that could pose serious challenges in the group.
However, PLDT’s High Speed Hitters are more than capable of holding their own. The team features a solid mix of firepower led by Savannah Davison, Majoy Baron, and Cuban reinforcement Wilma Salas.
(C) PVL Images
After winning her first Best Outside Hitter award in the Premier Volleyball League, Davison is expected to shine in her first international competition under the Philippine flag. She will bring her trademark energy, athleticism, and scoring ability to PLDT’s continental campaign.
Coming off a heartbreaking performance in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, where they were eliminated early in the quarterfinals by Choco Mucho, the High Speed Hitters are determined to redeem themselves. Davison aims to channel the lessons learned from that tough loss into a stronger, more focused effort on the international stage.
“It helps because now, we get to look forward to something else, I guess, maybe after a couple of days off. It’s a very big tournament. It’s international. It gives us an opportunity to show our talents on a different platform and that’s a really good experience to look forward to,” said Davison.
“Hopefully, we learn from this and we show out come the AVC. Knowing that we’re that close, knowing that we can compete, we just gotta bring that to the AVC and hopefully, it won’t be as heart-wrenching, but it’s always an opportunity to learn,” she added.
The scoring load will not rest solely on Davison’s shoulders, as PLDT has enlisted the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker Wilma Salas to provide additional offensive firepower and international experience.
(C) PVL Images
With Salas’ addition, the High Speed Hitters’ wing rotation of Davison, Fiola Ceballos, Erika Santos, and Kianna Dy becomes even more dynamic. This balanced mix of power and experience will be crucial in handling the competition’s top-tier defenses.
PLDT also boasts a formidable middle blocker rotation featuring Baron, Dell Palomata, and Mika Reyes. Setters Angge Alcantara and Kim Fajardo offer a dynamic blend of youth and experience, while veteran libero Kath Arado brings international poise to the backline. Together, they form a well-rounded roster that is more than capable of navigating the challenges of a tough Pool D.
The High Speed Hitters will open the tournament against Queensland on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, before closing out pool play against Nakhon Ratchasima on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
