MANILA – The PLDT High Speed Hitters pulled off a stunning comeback to eliminate defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, and clinch their first-ever Premier Volleyball League Finals berth at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Facing a 1–2 set deficit, PLDT leaned on the explosive performance of Savannah Davison, who erupted for 34 points, including eight in the decisive fifth set. Davison delivered the team’s last four points, sealing the win with a sharp crosscourt hit after Creamline narrowed the gap to 9-10.
“This is hard work, sweat and tears,” said the Filipina-Canadian spiker, who was named Best Player of the Game. “It’s a very light feeling and I love every part of it.”
Kim Dy chipped in 14 points, Majoy Baron added nine points with three blocks, while Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes scored eight apiece. Veteran setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets.
PLDT had a slight edge in attacks, 61-58, but gave up more blocks (9-10) and service aces (5-7). The High Speed Hitters, however, capitalized on Creamline’s 33 errors while committing only 26.
“Every time you play Creamline it is a different game. We cannot play them the same way we played them before,” Davison said. “It’s always a good feeling to win, but this one is just a little bit sweet because they are such hard competitors. It makes us look back at our hard work and sacrifice.”
Jessica Galanza and Alyssa Valdez led Creamline with 18 points each, Michele Gumabao had 16, and Jeanette Panaga scored 11.
PLDT will battle Chery Tiggo Crossovers for the championship in a one-game showdown on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., while Creamline will face the Cignal HD Spikers for third place at 4 p.m./PN
