Courtesy: pvl.ph
PLDT accomplished what nine other teams had failed to do – shatter Creamline’s aura of invincibility with a classic 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14 victory, solidifying its push for a Top 3 finish in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.
The High Speed Hitters’ dominant victory also dealt the Cool Smashers their first defeat in 19 games, a streak that spanned back to the 2024 Reinforced and Invitational conferences.
Savi Davison led the charge with a career-best 34 points, showcasing relentless firepower that outshone Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons in their thrilling spiking duel.
But it wasn’t just Davison’s offensive brilliance that paved the way – the High Speed Hitters displayed unyielding grit on both ends of the court, with Dell Palomata and Fiola Ceballos anchoring a defensive stand that ultimately sealed the victory.
Their well-timed block on Tots Carlos’ final attack attempt left the Cool Smashers stunned and sent PLDT into celebration.
“I’m tired but very glad. My team held out in the fifth set,” said Davison, who once again earned Best Player of the Game honors. “I’m just proud of how hard we worked to get this win.”
While individual heroics were on display, it was PLDT’s collective toughness and mental fortitude that defined the match. They had to navigate a rollercoaster battle in the deciding set – fighting back from a 5-8 deficit, then nearly squandering a 13-9 lead as Creamline forced a 14-all count.
But when the pressure was at its peak, the High Speed Hitters refused to crumble. Davison’s clutch attack pushed them ahead, and Palomata and Ceballos delivered the game-winning defensive stop, rejecting Carlos’ final attempt in emphatic fashion.
The victory not only reinforced PLDT’s standing in the league at 7-3 – tying the High Speed Hitters with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Cignal HD Spikers in third place – but also gave them a confidence boost heading into their final preliminary assignment against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in Iloilo on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Creamline’s stunning defeat reshaped the race for the No. 1 seed. With Petro Gazz sweeping Galeries Tower earlier in the day, both teams now share the top spot at 9-1, setting up an intense final stretch of the prelims.
For a while, it seemed as though history would repeat itself. The jampacked arena, predominantly filled with Creamline supporters, erupted in wild celebration when the defending champions narrowly avoided a straight-sets defeat, clawing their way to a dramatic third-set win and a commanding victory in Set 4.
Hope flickered anew among the Cool Smashers’ faithful – another one of their thrilling comeback escapes seemed within reach.
But Davison, who had five blocks and 17 excellent receptions, and the High Speed Hitters had other plans.
Determined not to let those setbacks rattle them, the High Speed Hitters regrouped, steeled themselves, and engaged the Cool Smashers in yet another gripping duel – one built on power, resilience and nerves of steel. In a battle that stretched to two hours and 38 minutes, the High Speed Hitters found a way to stand tall when it mattered most.
Majoy Baron also delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 15 points, including three crucial blocks that disrupted Creamline’s offensive rhythm. Fiola Ceballos scored 14 markers, while Mika Reyes and Erika Santos contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, as PLDT showcased a well-balanced attack that effectively countered and neutralized the Cool Smashers’ vaunted firepower.
Pons spearheaded Creamline’s offense with 23 points, while Tots Carlos added 16 markers. Jema Galanza and Bea de Leon chipped in 11 points each, and Michele Gumabao and Pangs Panaga contributed eight points apiece.
Alyssa Valdez, who played only in the first two sets, finished with six points.
Despite their depth and offensive arsenal, the Cool Smashers struggled to shake off PLDT’s relentless defense and clutch execution down the stretch.
Both teams battled on practically even terms, underscoring their fierce competitiveness. PLDT managed to outhit Creamline 72-67, a rare feat, but the Cool Smashers gained the upper hand in blocks, 17-15, and aces, 7-4.
In terms of free points, the teams were nearly identical, with PLDT surrendering 21 points and Creamline 22, highlighting just how evenly matched both sides were, with the High Speed Hitters’ resilience in key moments ultimately proving the difference. pvl.ph
