PLDT got what it needed from Russian Anastasiia Bavykina as it smothered Capital1, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23, Monday to set in motion its bid for a three-peat bid in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Savi Davison carried most of the fight and fired a match-high 22 points, 15 on kills and seven blocks, while Bavykina plugged in some of the remaining holes by chipping in 15 hits on her debut.
It was a win that launched the Manny V.Pangilinan-owned franchise’s aspiration for a treble after seizing its breakthrough crown in the PVL on Tour and following that up with another one in the Invitational early this year.
It was also PLDT’s 14th straight win, including victories in the last two conferences.
While it wasn’t as meteoric as what the other imports that played early in this conference, the 33-year-old Moscow native did just enough to impress the High Speed Hitters.
‘We chose Anastasiia for a major support role, she is aligned with the team and she fills the gaps we needed,’ said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort. ‘Hopefully, with the chemistry, we could mesh even more.’
Davison agreed.
‘I think the biggest thing we can do right now is support her,’ said Davison. ‘It’s her first game and obviously, she’s really good and knows what to do.’
For Bavykina, she admitted it was a tough start for her.
‘It was a little difficult first game for me and I think we will be better and better in the next games,’ she said.
The result sent the Solar Spikers to their first setback while spoiling the debut of super rookie Bella Belen, who had 13 points.
Making it worse was the possible rib injury suffered by libero Roma Doromal, who was stretchered out of the court.