PLDT star Savi Davison. PVL Images
MANILA — PLDT bucked a third set lapse en route to a 25-23, 25-15, 26-28, 25-14 win over Thailand’s EST Cola to open its 2026 PVL Invitational Conference title defense bid on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
It was a welcome first game for the High Speed Hitters, despite a lapse in the third set which saw them succumbing in the extended frame.
"I just love to compete," said Savi Davison dazzled with 30 points anchored on 24 attacks, five blocks, and one ace.
The High Speed Hitters bounced back with a dominant showing in the fourth, unleashing a 13-2 finishing kick to close out the match.
"I love being in hard situations and I'm so glad that I have people on the court to support me in that way. I wouldn't be able to, you know, kind of forget or move on from my own errors if my team wasn't so compassionate to me," added Davison regarding their fourth set rebound.
In the first chapter, they were also challenged by the guest squad, as the Thai side saved four set points for a 24-23 count before Kantima Aekpatcha conceded the opener with a service error.
Mika Reyes backstopped Davison's explosion with a 16-point output of her own, while helping in the net defense with six kill blocks. Jovy Prado was stellar in the floor defense as well, tallying 21 digs and 13 receptions while contributing nine markers.
Meanwhile, Nirarach Srikuta had 14 points, and Nannaphat Moonjakham had 12 markers in the loss.