Savi Davison has never shied away from pressure, but having teammates who continue to lift her up makes the fight a little easier.
Davison delivered a tournament‑best performance in the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ 2026 PVL Invitationals opener, powering the defending champions past Thailand’s EST Cola, 25‑23, 25‑15, 26‑28, 25‑14, on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 27‑year‑old outside hitter erupted for 30 points, built on 24 attacks, 5 blocks, and 1 ace. She also contributed 12 excellent digs and 8 receptions as the High Speed Hitters began their title defense with a victory.
For Davison, however, her greatest strength lies beyond what appears on the stat sheet.
“I just love to compete. I love being in hard situations, and I’m so glad that I have people on the court to support me in that way,” said Davison, the 2025 Invitationals MVP.
Savison Acknowledges Teammates
The reigning conference MVP also credited her teammates for helping her recover whenever things do not go according to plan.
“I wouldn’t be able to, you know, kind of forget or move on from my own errors if my team wasn’t so compassionate to me,” she said.
“I can’t thank them enough for being that support system that I have and allowing me to kind of bounce back.”
Davison had to do exactly that against EST Cola.
After PLDT took the first two sets, the Thai side fought back in the third, with Davison’s attacks getting neutralized during the crucial exchanges. Nirarach Srikuta eventually delivered the final blows as EST Cola stole the extended frame, 28‑26.
The setback did little to derail Davison.
She came out firing in the fourth set, accounting for five points during PLDT’s decisive 8‑0 run that turned a 12‑all deadlock into a 20‑12 advantage. The High Speed Hitters maintained their cushion from there to close out the match.
Ready for Redemption
PLDT will return to action Tuesday against Nxled at 1:30 p.m. The High Speed Hitters will then face Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, Farm Fresh on Friday, and Creamline on Sunday.
The defending champions are looking to regain their footing after finishing fourth in the 2025 Reinforced Conference before settling for bronze in the 2026 All‑Filipino Conference.
For Davison, the opportunity to compete for another title is one she welcomes, particularly after a stretch in which PLDT has not been able to play as consistently as it would have wanted.
“It’s hard because we haven’t been able to play as regularly as I feel like we want to. So, actually fighting for something as reigning champions or, if not, it’s still exciting to fight to win,” she said.
“And I’m just happy to be in a more competitive environment now than we have been lately. So, I’m just excited to see what we do next.”
