By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters put on another masterclass after sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 27-25, 25-22, 25-23, to remain undefeated in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on November 19, 2024, at the Ynares Center.
With the win, the High-Speed Hitters joined the Akari Chargers at the top spot of the standings, sharing an identical 2-0 win-loss record.
Despite a close encounter in all the three sets, PLDT’s experience and poise under pressure prevailed in the matchup, led by the waxing-hot Savannah Davison who dropped the hammer on the Highrisers.
The athletic outside hitter was firing from all cylinders and spearheaded PLDT’s fiery run with a game-high 28-point performance built from 26 successful attacks.
Davison kicked off her unconscious outing midway through the first set after scoring four straight points derived from back-to-back off-spin spikes and a pair of powerful backrow hits.
When Galeries threatened to steal the opening frame, Davison took matters into her own hands and single-handedly propelled PLDT to a momentum-boosting 1-0 lead.
The Highrisers continued to put up a fight and kept themselves within striking distance in the second but once again, Davison spoiled their efforts as her vicious cross-court spikes were just unstoppable.
Also stepping up in the final two sets for the High-Speed Hitters were Dell Palomata and Jovie Prado, the veteran duo that backstopped Davison.
Prado provided the timely points in the third and final set while Palomata, PLDT’s star middle blocker, swatted away three attacks from Galeries to record three blocks in just a single set.
The trio held the fort for PLDT when the Highrisers took a 21-15 advantage in the third set. Prado spearheaded their comeback with her offense, followed by Palomata’s defensive presence and the finishing touches by Davison.
The High-Speed Hitters will look to extend their undefeated run on November 26, 2024, as they take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the first game of the scheduled doubleheader.
