PVL: PLDT repeats over Creamline for bronze finish

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The PLDT High Speed Hitters did it again.

Two days after pulling off a five-set marathon win to knock the Creamline Cool Smashers out of grand final contention, the High Speed Hitters followed the same script as they took down the Rebisco-backed team twice in a row, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, to claim the bronze medal in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Sept. 8, 2026, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Savannah Davison once again ignited PLDT in the rematch, delivering when her team needed her the most, especially in the third set after Creamline equalized the match with a second-set recovery.

The high-flying outside hitter was everywhere on the floor, finishing long rallies with tricky off-speed hits and her signature backline attack.

When Creamline attempted to inch closer through Jaja Santiago-Minowa and Jema Galanza’s combined efforts midway through the third set, Davison answered the call, sparking a 3-1 run to help PLDT reach set point and eventually secure the 25-21 win.

In the fourth set, the High Speed Hitters had to dig deep as they trailed 15-19 before exploding with a 5-1 run to level the set at 20-all.

Credit to Kath Arado, PLDT’s defensive specialist, who kept Creamline from getting easy looks as the High Speed Hitters launched their come-from-behind attempt.

Veteran middle blocker Majoy Baron began PLDT’s comeback run, scoring off a quick 1-2 play backstopped by Jovelyn Prado’s left-side attack.

Tied at 20-all, PLDT officially stole the driver’s seat with a massive down-the-line spike from Jessey De Leon from the right baseline.

In the most crucial stretch of the fourth set, Davison had a heroic run, scoring PLDT’s final two points, including the game-sealing drop shot that Creamline failed to block.

After carrying PLDT with a 37-point masterclass in their first encounter, Davison picked up where she left off, delivering a game-high 29-point production on 26 successful attacks, alongside 15 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.

It was also a collective effort as Prado contributed 12 markers and 15 excellent receptions, while Kim Kianna Dy and Mika Reyes chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively.

On the other hand, Creamline received a boost from Santiago-Minowa, who led the Cool Smashers with 19 points, including 13 successful attacks and three blocks.