PLDT’s straight-set victory over the Queensland Pirates caps off a triumphant AVC Champions League opener for the Philippines.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters started off their AVC Champions League run on the right foot, scoring an impressive 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 victory over the Queensland Pirates on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Despite falling to a 1-6 hole early into Set 1, the High Speed Hitters were quick to take control of the 65-minute contest, which was aided by several unforced errors from the Australia-based spikers.
After rallying back to take the opening frame, it was all PLDT as they leaned on the trio of Savi Davison with a game-high 14 markers and eight digs, veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes with 11 points, and Cuban import Wilma Salas with a 10-point, 15-dig double-double.
“[Sabi ko], mag-relax muna. ‘Yung excitement siguro ng pag-join dito yung nanguna, kaya medyo stiff kami nung start ng first set. Alam naman nila kung ano ‘yung igagalaw at ilalaro namin, sadyang ganon lang talaga kasi yung kalaban, nage-effort din lumaban,” head coach Rald Ricafort said, referring to PLDT’s slow start in Set 1.
Easy does it
While Davison’s 14 markers are far from her usual scoring tears in the PVL, it’s nonetheless a welcome development for the Fil-Canadian ace, especially with the support she received from a steady veteran in Salas, and an in-form Reyes against the Pirates.
Davison remains the focal point of PLDT’s offense, but having a solid supporting cast allows her to focus on other aspects of her game, particularly on the defensive side of things.
“I think in this last game, midway through the game, I just told myself to focus on defense and passing. And typically that’s not something that goes through my mind, especially in the PVL since it’s usually towards offense,” Davison said moments after taking turns with Salas and Reyes to find gaps within the Pirates’ defense.
“So it’s nice to not have that ‘I must score’ feeling all the time, and just kind of set the pace on my own. But yeah, just focus on other things and to help the team entirely.”
Davison is also representing the Philippines for the first time in her career, which makes Sunday’s victory even sweeter. And as she plays in her first international tournament with PLDT, the Fil-Canadian ace is also making it a point to avoid any unnecessary pressure getting into her head.
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity, especially here in the Philippines. I think in my first international tournament, I was kind of going into it just not expecting anything out of the ordinary,” Davison explained.
“You know, it’s a simple game and back to the basics. Like what coach said before, it’s the same game, it’s going to look like the same out-of-system [plays], passing-wise, serving-wise. So it’s kind of just taking control of our side of the court, and I think we did a pretty good job tonight.”
Different shade of red for Wilma Salas
Sunday’s game also opened Wilma Salas’ third stint in the Philippines, and her first with PLDT after two PVL Reinforced Conference sorties with the Petro Gazz Angels.
According to the Cuban hitter, it was an “easy decision” to join the High Speed Hitters as their lone reinforcement for the Champions League.
“I finished my season in Italy, and Coach Rald called me, [asking] ‘Wilma, are you ready?’ So [I replied] ‘I am ready, and I will go to [PLDT] and the Philippines.’ So it was a really easy decision,” Salas recalled, while also confirming her initial talks with Petro Gazz for the regional tilt.
In bringing her veteran skillset to PLDT, Salas has also found a new “family” despite being a first-timer in the High Speed Hitters’ camp.
“I’m so happy to be back in the Philippines, but this time I’m playing for PLDT, and I feel so happy. I feel like this team is my family, it’s a bunch of incredible girls. I have nothing more to say because I feel like I am already home,”
Having clicked with PLDT early on, Salas sees no problem as she adjusts to a new set of teammates and a head coach in Rald Ricafort.
“There is really no difference, it’s only a different coach and a different way to improve. The coach is a good person, and so are the girls. So I think it’s all the same, and there is no difference really,” she said.
PLDT will return to action this Tuesday, April 22, as they face powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima for a direct ticket into the knockout quarterfinals.
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.