PH's Carlo Baylon wins bronze after dismantling Kazakh opponent
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PLDT eliminates Creamline, seals title clash with Chery Tiggo
The PLDT High Speed Hitters stormed into their first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) finals after rallying from a 1-2 set deficit to dethrone the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set thriller, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, Tuesday night, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Creamline appeared poised to extend its reign after taking the second and third sets, seemingly on track for a ninth straight finals appearance.
But PLDT turned adversity into fuel as they roared back with a commanding fourth-set win before tearing though the Cool Smashers in the decider — leaving the 10-time league champions stunned and the crowd in disbelief.
Savi Davison was the undisputed hero of the night, exploding for 34 points built on 30 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while adding nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Her brilliance shone brightest in the fifth set, where she delivered eight points, including the first three and the final four — capped by a booming crosscourt kill that sliced through two Creamline defenders to end the two-hour, 12-minute battle.
PLDT HIGH SPEED HITTERS
“This is hard work, sweat and tears,” exclaimed Davison, who claimed the Best Player of the Game honor amid a roaring PLDT celebration. “It’s a very light feeling and I love every part of it.”
Kim Kianna Dy backstopped Davison’s explosive night with 14 markers, while Majoy Baron added nine, including three kill blocks. Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes chipped in eight each, while veteran setter Kim Fajardo anchored PLDT’s offense with 25 excellent sets.
Creamline threatened late in the fifth after Alyssa Valdez cut the gap to 9-10, but Davison’s clutch hits and a Valdez error pushed PLDT to match point. Michele Gumabao saved one, only for Davison to end it with a decisive strike.
The win snapped Creamline’s eight-year finals streak and marked PLDT’s fourth straight victory over their rivals since 2024. Despite strong outings from Jema Galanza and Valdez, Creamline couldn’t match PLDT’s finishing power as the High Speed Hitters now chase their first title.
Creamline’s top scorers showed up, with Galanza and Valdez firing 18 points each, Michele Gumabao adding 16, and Pangs Panaga contributing 11.
Now, the High Speed Hitters shift their focus to capturing the championship, riding high on confidence and momentum from a victory that will go down as one of the league’s most unforgettable upsets.
PLDT will face the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Sunday, August 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
