PVL: PLDT ends conference on high note, withstands Petro Gazz

PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. —Marlo Cueto

MANILA, Philippines — Savannah Davison erupted for 29 points to help PLDT survive Petro Gazz in five sets, 16-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-15, 15-7, and wrap up their 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday evening at Philsports Arena.

Even before the game started both teams bombed out of semifinal contention after Cignal completed the cast but the High Speed Hitters and Angels figured in a toe-to-toe two-hour duel even missing a lot of key players with PLDT stars Rhea DImaculangan and Erika Santos missing the game due to injuries and Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and Remy Palma sitting out for Petro Gazz.

Davison was nearly unstoppable even when PLDT went down to a 1-2 deficit as she anchored their strong fourth set win and never looked back in the fifth to finish their season with a 7-4 record in fifth place.

“It’s a big win for us, especially coming to the end of our season. I think we went into it wanting to end up on a good note. So I’m really happy that you know, we got that 7-4 end to our season. And it just makes us that much more excited to come back in the next conference,” said Davison, who fired 26 attacks and three blocks on top of 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs.

The Filipino-Canadian spiker vows to come back in the first conference next season, hoping to win a PVL championship.

“I’ll be back for a little I’m not gonna tell you how long but I’m gonna stay with PLDT for the next conference. So hopefully it’s all growth from here on out,” said Davison. “We’re definitely looking for a championship so I think that’s the main goal. It always should be but just like I said just progress, growth. I just want to go day by day kind of get one percent better I think it was just the entirety of it.”

Besides Davison, Jules Samonte was also instrumental with 11 points. Fiola Ceballos chipped in seven points. Setter Anj Legacion had 19 excellent sets, as libero Kath Arado protected the floor with 29 digs and 10 receptions.

“Regardless of the result, our mindset is to continue improving.  We didn’t make it to the semis but at least Sav had an opportunity to experience the competition. She had to feel and experience the PVL. Hopefully, she can bring this experience and will be able to adjust next conference,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.

Petro Gazz, which reached the Finals in the first All-Filipino Conference, placed sixth with a 6-5 record.

Jonah Sabete left everything on the floor for the Angels with 17 points, 13 digs, and 13 receptions. Marian Buitre and Nicole Tiamzon chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively. KC Galdones had 11 points.