The PLDT High Speed Hitters closed their 2026 PVL Invitational Conference campaign with a bronze medal after defeating the Creamline Cool Smashers, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Just two days after eliminating Creamline from the finals race, PLDT once again got the better of the Cool Smashers to finish its title defense with a podium finish. The High Speed Hitters entered the tournament hoping to retain their crown but suffered losses to Nxled and Ho Chi Minh City, preventing them from reaching the championship match.
Savi Davison Leads the Charge—Again
Savi Davison once again spearheaded PLDT’s attack, erupting for 29 points on 26 attacks and 3 aces while adding 15 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
After Creamline built an 18-15 lead in the fourth set, the High Speed Hitters answered with a 5-2 run to tie the game at 20-all. The teams remained deadlocked at 21-all before Jovie Prado and Davison delivered back-to-back attacks to put PLDT ahead, 23-21. Prado then committed a service error, but Davison took over from there, powering through the block before brushing the ball off Jaja Santiago-Minowa for the match-clinching point.
The two-hour victory gave PLDT its second straight bronze medal.
Ricafort Reflects on Campaign
“Definitely, marami kaming natutunan. Ganun talaga ’yung dine-demand sa amin, mag-show up talaga na lagi kaming dapat halos perfect para makuha namin ’yung pinaka-goal namin. Dadalhin namin ’yung lessons for the next conference,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Tama ’yung sa momentum, pero ganun pa rin, pag-iigihan pa rin namin for the next. Pero, siyempre, we’re very happy na for the last 2 conferences, nakapag-third place kami,” he added.
Prado contributed 12 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Kianna Dy and Mika Reyes added 10 and 8 points, respectively. Kim Fajardo orchestrated the PLDT offense while recording 15 excellent digs, and Kath Arado anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent digs.
Creamline Misses Podium
For the Cool Smashers, Santiago-Minowa paced the team with 19 points on 13 attacks, 3 blocks, and 3 aces. Jema Galanza added 16 points and 9 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos and Ishie Lalongisip chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Creamline missed the podium for only the second time since 2017.
