Savannah Davison and the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Savannah Davison continued to point PLDT in the right direction, leading the High Speed Hitters in a 25-22, 25-6, 25-9 demolition of Galeries Tower in their first game in the new Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
“I hope to start every season on a clean slate, it just gives me something to work toward,” Davison said after delivering 19 points 16 attacks 2 blocks ace on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Arena.
The Filipino-Canadian hitter was the league’s best scorer last conference.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
Davison, who also showed her defense with nine excellent digs and team-high eight excellent receptions, said she’s determined to be a reliable cog for PLDT and not just in scoring.
“I don’t really like to put additional pressure on myself. You play the best when you play calmly, freely,” Davison said. “I am just happy with the outcome but I just want to be that go-to person on the court and if the points show up, then points show up.”
PLDT weathered an early strong showing of Galeries Tower in the first set that lasted 31 minutes long before the Highrisers mellowed down and scored only 15 points combined in the second and third sets.
Jules Samonte put up quality numbers again for PLDT with 15 points with almost every High Speed Hitter contributing in scoring.
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PLDT High Speed Hitters’ new setter Kim Fajardo in the PVL All-Filipino Conference –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
And that can be largely attributed to the team’s newest playmaker Kim Fajardo, who had 11 excellent sets in her High Speed Hitters debut.
“Happy that we have executed well. Happy that in our first game we were able to utilize our new players and we have maximized our rotation,” coach Rald Ricafort said.
“I think everything’s coming together. A lot of days we put in a lot of hard work,” Davison said. “I am just super excited to start the season with the people that we have on the court.
“And I think that being that go-to person, that’s just my goal so I am very happy with the outcome.”
Middle blocker Norielle Ipac was Galeries’ top-scorer with only seven points while Shola Alvarez, who was the Highrisers’ lone pick-up from the defunct F2 Logistics, and France Ronquillo added four points apiece.
Despite Galeries libero Alyssa Eroa’s game-high 19 excellent digs, PLDT still proved too much as the High Speed Hitters overpowered the Highrisers in all aspects of their opening game matchup.
PLDT, who finished in fifth spot last conference, will hope to continue its strong start as they next face Nxled on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.