Feels like gold, Savi says of PLDT bronze

The joy is evident as PLDT trims Creamline. —MARLO CUETO

Despite failing to defend their Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference title, Savi Davison remained happy with the bronze medal they snagged as the PLDT High Speed Hitters showed what a healthy line-up can do ahead of the 10th season.

Davison picked up where she left off, dropping 29 points as PLDT outlasted Creamline, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Davison delivered 26 kills and three aces and had another stellar defensive night with 15 digs and 13 excellent receptions. She capped PLDT’s comeback in the fourth from a 15-18 deficit, scoring the game-winning kill off Jaja Santiago-Minowa’s hands.

“I’m just happy we’re all healthy coming out of it. I’m happy that we were able to finish on a win,” the prolific Davison said. “Although we weren’t able to make it to the finals, I’m so proud of our group. I’m so proud of how we were able to [come back] from the earlier losses.”

“I don’t know about you guys, but this feels like we won,” she went on. “So I’m just super happy that we’re done, we finished with a win. Everyone’s healthy, everyone’s happy. We’re blessed.”

In the tournament, the Filipino-Canadian Hitter was the top scorer with three 30-point games. On Sunday, Davison set a new career-high of 37 points to drag Creamline to the bronze medal game.

“I’m just so happy we won. I can’t stop smiling. I know it’s not enough for us, but I think we were able to do our best,” Davison said. “Given our circumstances, given what we were handed. So for me, I don’t really like to talk numbers much.”

“As long as I can help in some capacity, I’m happy with that. In past conferences, fatigue usually sets in later on.”

The High Speed Hitters, who finished with a 3-2 record in the prelims, won a second straight bronze after finishing third in the All-Filipino Conference.

Jovy Prado continued her resurgence with 12 points and 15 excellent receptions. Kianna Dy chipped in 10 points, while Mika Reyes added eight points.

Creamline, which started the tournament with three straight wins, lost three consecutive games, ending up in fourth place even with the 6-foot-5 Santiago-Minowa reinforcing what the best All-Filipino roster is.

Santiago-Minowa had 19 points from 13 kills, three blocks, and three aces. Jema Galanza tallied 16 points and nine digs. Tots Carlos and Ishie Lalongisip added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Farm Fresh won fifth place after sweeping Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15, earlier. INQ