PLDT stuns Creamline in five-set thriller to reach first PVL Finals with perfect record

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PLDT stormed into its first-ever Premier Volleyball League Finals in dramatic style, rallying from a 1-2 set deficit to shock 10-time champions Creamline in the PVL On Tour semifinals, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, on Tuesday, August 12, at the Araneta Coliseum. The win completed a flawless seven-game sweep for the High Speed Hitters, silencing critics and reshaping the league’s power hierarchy in one unforgettable night.

Creamline looked poised for another Finals appearance after going up two sets to one, but PLDT responded with unshakable grit. The High Speed Hitters, who had not dropped two sets in a single match all tournament, roared back with a dominant fourth frame and sealed the decider behind the unstoppable Savi Davison.

PLDT celebrates after sealing its first PVL Finals berth with a win over Creamline. [PVL Images]

Davison delivers clutch finish in fifth set

Davison erupted for eight of her game-high 34 points in the final set, including the first three and the last four. With Creamline closing to within one at 9-10 after an Alyssa Valdez kill, Davison answered with back-to-back scoring plays that drained the crowd’s energy. A Valdez attack error put PLDT at match point, and after Michele Gumabao saved one, Davison hammered the winning crosscourt kill past two defenders to seal the two-hour, 12-minute battle.

“This is hard work, sweat and tears,” said Davison, who earned Best Player of the Game honors. “It’s a very light feeling and I love every part of it.” She credited PLDT’s fans for their unwavering support, calling the victory “a community win.”

Balanced attack sends PLDT to title clash with Chery Tiggo

Kim Dy backed Davison with 14 points, Majoy Baron added nine with three blocks, and Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes chipped in eight each. Setter Kim Fajardo kept PLDT’s offense flowing with 25 excellent sets, narrowly edging Creamline’s Kyle Negrito.

PLDT slightly outgunned Creamline in attacks (61-58) but also made the most of its opponent’s miscues, scoring 33 points off errors while yielding only 26. Creamline’s Jema Galanza and Valdez scored 18 each, Gumabao had 16, and Pangs Panaga added 11 in a losing effort.

The High Speed Hitters now turn their attention to the one-game championship on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, who earlier dispatched Cignal in four sets. Creamline will face Cignal for bronze at 4 p.m.