PVL Invitational: Savi Davison sizzles to open PLDT title defense

Savi Davison and the PLDT High Speed Hitters celebrate during a win over EST Cola in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking to keep the title with PLDT, Savi Davison dazzled in the High Speed Hitters’ opening game in the PVL Invitational Conference.

The reigning Invitational MVP Davison exploded for 30 points to fend off Thailand’s EST Cola, 25-23, 25-14, 26-28, 25-14, on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Filipino-Canadian hitter had a shaky third set but redeemed herself in the fourth set to finish with 24 kills, five blocks, and an ace.

“I just love to compete,” Davison said. “I love being in hard situations and I’m so glad that I have people on the court to support me in that way. I wouldn’t be able to kind of forget or move on from my own errors if my team wasn’t so compassionate to me. So, I can’t thank them enough for being that support system that I have and allowing me to kind of bounce back.”

Davison knew that it was going to be a tough match against the Thai club, composed of national team second-stringers. That’s why she remained determined the whole match.

“Coach said beforehand, we shouldn’t underestimate them because Thailand is always a strong team so we went into it thinking that we had to bring our best , and we really came out strong so I’m glad that everyone was kind of fired up from all angles and we were able to contribute from every area,” she said.

READ: PVL: Savi Davison, PLDT turn back Akari in Lanao Del Norte

Davison, last season’s Best Outside Spiker,  carries the same mindset and hunger they had last year when they ruled the PVL Invitational.

“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,” said Davison. “I’m just happy to be in more competitive environment now than we have been lately. So, I’m just excited to see what we do next.”

PLDT eyes its second win against Nxled on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.