MANILA, Philippines – Davison and PLDT want to win the AVC Champions League.

Savannah Davison gave a passionate and determined performance, but even though she broke the record, PLDT was unable to get beyond the roadblock.

The High Speed Hitters suffered a devastating defeat against Choco Mucho in Game 2 of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Thursday night, losing 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, and 15-13. The Fil-Canadian spiker made a spectacular 34-point explosion, but she struggled with late-game mistakes.

In the fifth set, Davison gave it his all, knowing that a win would force the series into a deciding Game 3. She scored all five points in a spectacular opening run that put PLDT ahead 5-1 and momentarily stunned the Flying Titans.

But as the pressure rose, the motion altered. Davison appeared invincible for most of the match, but he faltered at the worst possible time, committing three crucial attack errors that allowed Choco Mucho to rebound with an 8-1 blitz and grab a 9-6 lead.

Although she fought back and scored crucial points in the last few minutes, the Flying Titans were able to find answers in Sisi Rondina and Mars Alba, whose clutch plays advanced Choco Mucho to the semifinals and ensured the series victory.

Savannah Davison focused on the key errors that were committed during the match, particularly the three to four errors that occurred in the fifth set. Although there was a great desire to win, it was difficult to accept the outcome; nonetheless, maintaining composure on the court was still essential. Despite Davison’s incredible performance, the team lost in the closing seconds, even though Davison earned nine points in the final set.

Choco Mucho, captained by former league MVP Sisi Rondina, presented a challenge that the former NCAA Division I standout acknowledged. Throughout the series, the other team put forth impressive performances, which hindered PLDT’s ability to gather steam. The difficulty was increased by the conference’s intensity and the challenging bracket. PLDT was adamant about competing at the top level in spite of these challenges. Choco Mucho took advantage of critical opportunities to seal PLDT’s defeat when the game came down to the wire.

PLDT may be proud of one of its most successful campaigns in recent history, despite the tragic exit. With an outstanding 8-3 record at the end of the preliminary round, the High Speed Hitters earned the fourth spot. After a spirited victory over ZUS Coffee in the qualifying round, they advanced to the quarterfinals and continued their trip. In a closely contested encounter against fifth-seeded Choco Mucho, PLDT shown tenacity but was defeated.

The team’s season-long performance proved that it could contend with the best in the league. PLDT established themselves as a powerful force in the league by having key players rise up in pivotal games. The team’s solid base and resolute attitude laid the groundwork for future success in both domestic and international contests, even in the face of the quarterfinal defeat.

The team’s achievements illustrated the necessity of teamwork in a sport where all players, coaches, and management must work together. The fight against Choco Mucho showed PLDT’s perseverance, even though the last seconds did not go their way.

Fatigue had set in following the taxing series, and Davison admitted the physical strain of the last four days. The rigorous schedule had been exhausting, with little time for relaxation in between games. Despite the weariness, the focus remained on developing mental toughness and conquering the physical challenges.

With the conclusion of the All-Filipino Conference, PLDT is turning its attention to the larger 2025 AVC Champions League. With Creamline and Petro Gazz representing the Philippines, the High Speed Hitters now have the opportunity to participate abroad.

Following a little respite, the squad sees the next tournament as a chance to reassemble and prepare for a fresh challenge. Competing against top international teams in the AVC Champions League gives players the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global scale and acquires priceless experience. PLDT aspires to perform well in the upcoming event and learn from its recent mistakes.