PLDT continued to have Creamline’s number, dealing the erstwhile-unbeaten defending champion its first defeat, 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Thursday night at Philsports Arena.
Savi Davison brought out her A game anew with 22 points on top of 19 excellent receptions and eight digs to send the High Speed Hitters to their third straight win with a 3-2 record tied with Farm Fresh and Choco Mucho.
‘I think we have to be aware that we might drop a set to Creamline because they’re a very strong team. You know, how can we stay close in score? How can we, you know, bawi agad?’ said Davison.
‘Like I said, always going up against Creamline is going to be a tough match. And after the two first losses, I think, I don’t want to say a wake-up call, but I think we’ve been working harder in the gym and technically as well as. We’re just trying to do it for each other at this point, and everyone is contributing, so it’s working out really well.’
Dell Palomata chipped in 13 points. Alleiah Malaluan also stepped up for PLDT with 10 points off the bench, while Mika Reyes nailed four blocks for six points, including the game-winning rejection on Bernadeth Pons.
Davison and the High Speed Hitters pulled away in the fourth set, reaching match point at 24-21 before Pangs Panaga and Bea De Leon saved points to cut the deficit to one. Reyes then nailed a block on Pons. Creamline called for a net-fault challenge, but it was unsuccessful.
Creamline dropped to a 4-1 record in second place, losing to PLDT in seven of their last eight meetings, including the past two Invitational Conference games, where the High Speed Hitters shattered their title hopes with Jaja Santiago-Minowa.
Kianna Dy was also instrumental for PLDT with eight points. Kim Fajardo paced the team with 17 excellent sets, while libero Kath Arado had 14 digs.
PLDT, which continued to miss its recovering coach Rald Ricafort, takes on Farm Fresh Tuesday next week at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pons led the Cool Smashers with 14 points and 10 digs. De Leon had 11 points. Jema Galanza was limited to nine points but had 14 digs. Lorie Bernardo chipped in eight points, while Panaga, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, and Tots Carlos added seven each, with Jia De Guzman tossing 20 excellent sets.
Creamline seeks bounce back against sister team Choco Mucho on Thursday next week at the Big Dome.