PVL: Savi Davison-less PLDT downs undermanned Creamline in 5 sets to open Reinforced Conference

No Savi Davison, no problem.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters pulled off a stunning five-set victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, July 16.

This was Creamline's first opening day loss since the 2019 Reinforced Conference against eventual champions Petro Gazz Angels.

Prior to the match, it was announced that Davison would likely miss PLDT’s campaign in the Reinforced Conference as she recovers from a knee injury.

[Related: PVL: PLDT's Savi Davison likely to miss Reinforced Conference due to knee injury]

Creamline, on the other hand, was without Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos. Nevertheless, the Cool Smashers rallied behind the combined efforts of Michele Gumabao, Bernadeth Pons, and import Erica Staunton.

Without their stars, Creamline and PLDT were neck-and-neck throughout the match as the two teams went to a deciding fifth set.

In the fifth, the High Speed Hitters started on a strong note, building a 6-2 lead behind the superhuman efforts of returning import Elena Samoilenko.

The Cool Smashers managed to cut the deficit to a single point at 6-7, after Pons’ off-the-block attack.

But time and again, it was Samoilenko who continued to deliver for PLDT as she scored two straight points to give her squad a three-point lead at 11-8.

The Russian import brought the game to match point before Fiona Ceballos sealed the win for the High Speed Hitters after an off-the-block hit.

Samoilneko finished with a game-high 34 points on 32 points and two service aces to go along with 13 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions. Ceballos and Majoy Baron added 11 points apiece.

Kath Arado also had an excellent outing as she had 24 excellent digs in the victory. 

Staunton had 20 points for Creamline, while Pons and Gumabao contributed 18 and 16 points, respectively.