PVL: PLDT halts slump, tops Farm Fresh to keep title defense alive

Savi Davison and the PLDT High Speed Hitters during a game vs Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2026 PVL Invitational. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Savi Davison exploded for 32 points as PLDT vented its ire on Farm Fresh, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, to salvage its title defense in the PVL Invitational Conference on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Licking their wounds after a two-game skid, Davison brought back the High Speed Hitters to their winning ways to improve their record to 2-2, currently in the solo second place with six points — a point ahead of EST Cola (2-1).

The reigning Invitational MVP dropped 28 kills and four blocks on top of 14 excellent receptions and 10 digs, while Kianna Dy backstopped her with 15 points, highlighted by four kill blocks, as they bounced back from losses to Nxled and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

“It was really more on the mental side, particularly how we respond. We’re still inconsistent with that, but at least in this game, we performed and showed up,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.

“That’s what I reminded them before the game. Showing up is the bare minimum. We really have to perform because regardless of the results, our opponents don’t care about what we’ve been through. So we have to fight in every game.”

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Savi Davison during a game vs Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2026 PVL Invitational. –PVL PHOTO

PLDT battles unbeaten Creamline in a must-win game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Kath Arado also stepped up with 24 digs. Kim Fajardo had 26 excellent sets, as middle blockers Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes had eight and seven points, respectively.

Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with 12 and 11 points, respectively, trying to mount a comeback after edging the High Speed Hitters in the third.

But Farm Fresh sorely missed the presence of Season MVP Trisha Tubu, who struggled with five points and only played in the first two sets.

The Foxies bombed out of finals contention with a three-game skid for a 1-3 record.

Farm Fresh eyes to play in the bronze medal opportunity also on Sunday against Nxled at 1:30 p.m.