Savannah Davison scores 28 in first full game, leads PLDT to PVL semifinals

The PLDT High Speed Hitters were outstanding in the pool stage of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason tournament — and they continued that strong form in the quarterfinals, sweeping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19, on Thursday, August 7, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City to book their place in the semifinals.

Star reinforcement Savannah Davison, who rejoined PLDT during their leg in Cebu City, made an immediate impact in her first full game back. She erupted for 28 points built on 25 kills, two blocks, and an ace — all in just an hour and 25 minutes. Davison also contributed 10 excellent sets and drew solid support from Jovie Prado with 10 points and Chinny Dy with eight. On defense, Kath Arado anchored the floor with 14 digs and 10 excellent receptions.

PLDT’s defense was just as crucial to the victory, as they successfully neutralized ZUS Coffee’s top scorer Chinnie Arroyo, holding her to just 10 points — well below her tournament average.

“I think overall, it’s just the environment 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 — whether I’m here or elsewhere. The welcome back really feels good,” Davison said in the post-match press conference.

“I see it every day in practice. Coming from the draft, we were just waiting on Alleiah Malaluan on the outside, so there’s not much of an addition there. But Kiesha and Jovy — I’ve said this before — they give me a hard time in practice, and I’m not surprised they were able to put up points while I was away,” she added.

WORK IS FAR FROM DONE 🙂‍↔️

As we march into the semis to be held at the Araneta Coliseum on August 12, may we be blessed with unending inspiration to keep going and to keep chasing after a better version of Team PLDT.

Walang titigil! Walang susuko! LABAN! ❤️‍🔥🏐☎️ #PusongPLDT pic.twitter.com/cwyzeTbCTh

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 7, 2025

The win kept PLDT’s record spotless in the preseason tournament, extending their winning streak to six and making them the only unbeaten team in the competition. This marks their second semifinal appearance in the last three conferences — and their fifth overall in four years in the PVL.

“Another goal of ours was to slowly reintegrate Savannah into the lineup when she returned,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort. “At the same time, it was also out of respect for ZUS — especially players like Jovelyn Gonzaga, who have consistently been scoring in double figures these past games. So we were really looking for someone to counter that, and that’s where Sav came in.”

“It was a bonus that she was able to carry the load that’s usually shared between Kiesha Bedonia, Jovy, Kianna, and our middles. Hopefully, we can keep improving so Sav won’t need to take that many attempts moving forward,” he added.

The victory also solidified PLDT’s status as one of the favorites to win the PVL On Tour title. They will face either the Creamline Cool Smashers or the Farm Fresh Foxies in the semifinals on Tuesday, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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