The PLDT High Speed Hitters kept their composure in a tense five-set battle to outlast the Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters showed great composure after outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies in a gritty five-set duel, 25-17, 23-25, 27-25, 21-25, 15-10, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night, March 5, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Savi Davison led the way with a monster triple-double performance of 32 points, 12 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions as PLDT improved to 5-1 in the standings.
The match featured several tense moments, particularly late in the fourth set when Farm Fresh protested a non-four-touch call against PLDT at the 19-23 mark.
The Foxies later challenged for a block touch and were awarded the point after an overreach violation was called against the High Speed Hitters, drawing protests from the PLDT coaching staff.
The decision allowed Farm Fresh to reach match point and eventually force a deciding fifth set.
Despite the interruptions and heated exchanges, Davison said the team's priority was staying locked in on the court.
"It was actually harder for me to stay focused when there were so many breaks, timeouts, calls, and challenges," Davison said during the post-game press conference. "You know, when there's lapses like that, when you don't play, and you're not locked in, it's hard to kind of come back to it."
"But when you have a chip on your shoulder, let's say a call doesn't go your way, I feel like that kind of fires us to do better, to stay more focused, to do a lot of stuff."
Savi Davison spikes the ball during PLDT's five-set win over Farm Fresh. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Davison added that the team chose to channel its emotions into its play rather than dwell on the officiating decisions.
"I'm just glad that we used it in the right type of way. We put our efforts, you know, not to fight back towards a call but, you know, just to fight during the play."
PLDT ultimately regained control in the fifth set, with Davison going on to seal the victory.
Team captain Kath Arado also anchored the defense and earned Player of the Game honors after recording 29 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
Royse Tubino and Trisha Tubu led Farm Fresh with 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the team slid to 2-4 in the standings.
The High Speed Hitters will next face the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while the Foxies take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, March 10, at the same venue.
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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.