Savi Davison is embracing what she calls a "free-for-all" PVL All-Filipino Conference as the PLDT High Speed Hitters look to build on their breakthrough 2025 season.
After a breakthrough year, Savi Davison is embracing what she expects to be one of the most competitive PVL All-Filipino Conferences yet.
Davison said the PLDT High Speed Hitters are entering the conference with a clear mindset, even after two titles in 2025.
“We came into this year knowing that we had to push each other harder in practice, push each other every day so that the game days come easier to us,” Davison told One Sports.
“Through bonding and just spending time with each other, we’re able to do that without any emotional stress.”
Banking on chemistry
Unlike other squads that went through major changes, PLDT had a relatively quiet offseason.
The High Speed Hitters added reliable middle blocker Seth Rodriguez while maintaining the core that fueled last year’s run, following the departure of Dell Palomata overseas.
With this in mind, the Fil-Canadian spiker pointed to team chemistry as one of PLDT’s biggest strengths coming off last season.
“It’s very easygoing within our team,” she said. “When the pressure builds, we’re able to talk to each other—and I think that’s a really good thing going into this year.”
[ALSO READ: Alleiah Malaluan seen as ‘future’ of PLDT ahead of PVL All-Filipino campaign]
Something about the AFC
After titles in the On Tour and Invitational, Davison admits that the All-Filipino Conference brings a different kind of edge—something she openly looks forward to.
“I think the All-Filipino is my favorite conference of the year,” said Davison. “It’s where everybody’s back, all the players from Alas are back, and there’s no imports to depend on.”
“It’s kind of a free-for-all,” she explained. “There’s a lot more swag, a lot more talk, a lot more sass, and it’s exciting because the teams are really getting stronger.”
With the league trimmed to 10 teams, Davison believes consistency will be at a premium.
“There’s not one team that’s going to be an easy win all year,” she said. “Every game’s going to be a good game, so I’m really excited for the competition and how we can push ourselves.”
PLDT gets an early measuring stick when it opens its campaign against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday, February 5, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
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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.