Savi Davison and PLDT during a game against Creamline in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT already saw its title defense shattered even before playing its final preliminary game in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

But not even the High Speed Hitters’ early elimination could douse Savi Davison’s competitive fire.

Davison posted her third 30-point game of the week-long conference with a new career-high 37 points on 35 kills and two blocks to power PLDT to a comeback win and pull the plug on Creamline’s bid to claim the last ticket to the final.

READ: PVL: PLDT denies Creamline, sends Nxled to first-ever finals

Savi Davison on a chance for a podium finish. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/MatbKnobNi

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2026

As a result, the High Speed Hitters arranged a battle for bronze against the Cool Smashers on Tuesday, serving as the curtain raiser to the championship game between Nxled and Thailand’s EST Cola.

“This is what we play for. I love the atmosphere when we play Creamline. I love to compete. I love being pushed,” said Davison, who was also stellar on the defensive end with 24 excellent receptions and 18 digs.

“I think in those situations we thrive. So having everyone have the right mindset going into this game meant a lot. And going into Tuesday,  it’s what we need as well.”

Nxled, Creamline and PLDT actually finished the elimination round tied at No. 2 with similar 3-2 records but the Chameleons advanced due to a superior tie-break score.

“Because they are looked at as the best team. They have the legacy of being a very hard team to beat, so when you go up against the best, we wanna be better,” said Davison. “ So I think in that sense, we pushed ourselves to, like, wanna prove to everyone that we can also contend as one of the top teams as well in the PVL.”

READ: PVL Invitational: Savi Davison sizzles to open PLDT title defense

“Although not this conference, we fell short, and it does leave a sour taste in our mouth. But I think, just coming out and proving to ourselves, most importantly, that we’re able to still compete after what happened. It’s a really good thing,” she added.

The reigning Invitational MVP relished their big win against fancied Creamline, which was led by Jaja Santiago-Minowa, who had 25 points, highlighted by nine kill blocks.

“She’s really strong. And it was really something that we talked about going into the game, we needed to take them out of the system as much as possible. Because if they have a good pass, like, she puts it away in seconds,” she said. “She’s really good.”

PLDT hopes to pull off an encore against Creamline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. for third place.

“It’s showing up during the games, but it’s also being consistent when we’re not pushed as hard as we want to be. And I think that’s when great teams kind of make their stand is, whoever your face, you play and perform,” Davison said. “I’m just glad that we were able to take this win. And it gives us a little bit of momentum going into the next game and then into all-Filipino.”