Savi Davison relishes the challenge of going up against imports, using it as fuel to keep improving as she powered the PLDT High Speed Hitters to a strong start in their PVL Reinforced Conference title hunt.
Savi Davison isn’t fazed by the arrival of foreign reinforcements in the PVL. In fact, she embraces the challenge.
The Fil-Canadian spiker once again as the PLDT High Speed Hitters cruised past the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23, to kick off their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign with authority on Monday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Davison delivered a stellar all-around performance with 22 points on 15 attacks and a PVL career-high seven blocks.
Thriving against bigger competition
While going up against imports can be intimidating, Davison sees it’s an opportunity to raise her level.
“I think it's fun because I've played with athletes like this back home,” she told reporters. “Every time I go back home, there's a pool of athletes that play all across Europe and Asia.”
“It just makes everything brand new, keeps the motivation high, and the competition high as well. It gives the Philippines a little bit more of an outlook of what volleyball looks like in other places.”
[ALSO READ: How Savi Davison's 'best risk' led her to within back-to-back PVL titles with PLDT]
More than just a test of skill, Davison views the presence of imports as a reminder to never settle.
“It forces you not to limit yourself to the level of volleyball wherever you are,” she said. “If you limit yourself to being the big fish in a small pond, someone’s going to beat you out in a bigger pond.”
“I like to be the best in the gym at all times, whether it’s against imports or locals, and that just pushes me to be better,” she added.
Staying grounded amid championship expectations
With back-to-back PVL crowns and a 14-game winning streak under their belt, PLDT is widely considered the team to beat this conference.
Savi Davison and PLDT in action during their straight-sets win against Capital1. | Photo: PVL
But Davison insists the High Speed Hitters are focused on their own growth rather than the external noise.
“We try not to think about it as a team,” she explained. “There’s obviously a chip on our shoulder to say, ‘Hey, we can do this again.’ But it’s all about keeping ourselves composed, focusing on the task, and having the confidence that we can do what we came here to do.”
[ALSO READ: Ricafort says PLDT focused on growth, not three-peat heading to PVL Reinforced Conference]
PLDT will look to build on its strong start when it takes on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday, October 14, in a much-anticipated early-season showdown.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.