PLDT came oh-so-close to getting a massive upset against Thai powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima in the AVC Champions League.
Game days have been straightforward, to say the least, early into the 2025 AVC Champions League in Manila, with traditional powerhouse teams easily dispatching their opponents in preliminary round play.
But on Tuesday, those who tuned into the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pool D finale nearly witnessed what could have been the biggest upset in the one-week regional showpiece.
Despite coming in as heavy underdogs, the High Speed Hitters still managed to push the Devil Cat to their limits, before falling in a 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15 decision at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
For Fil-Canadian hitter Savi Davison, posing a threat to Nakhon Ratchasima is a testament to the skill level of the Philippines in international play, given that PLDT nearly stunned a six-time Thailand League champion, and a one-time bronze medalist in the then-2024 AVC Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
“I think it just goes to show that the Philippines can compete. They were, I think runner-up in their league, so it’s a big deal for us to push them to five, and it’s a big deal for us to be able to come together especially in the Philippines where there is a lot of support,” said Davison, who led PLDT’s assault against Korat on Tuesday with 28 huge points, 16 digs, and six receptions.
Backstopping Davison was Cuban import Wilma Salas, who churned in a tournament-high 20 points to go along with 15 excellent digs and 13 receptions on the defensive end. Opposite hitter Kianna Dy also hit another milestone in her recovery journey with a 12-point, 10-dig double-double.
Captain and libero Kath Arado, meanwhile, recorded a whopping 27 excellent digs as she defended against the more physically imposing Thai contingent.
“Yes, I think the Philippines has power in this competition, so to show and to push the Thai team, I think it’s a good way for more people around the world to see the talent level of the Philippines,” added Salas as she reflected on PLDT’s valiant stand.
PLDT now finishes Pool D with a 1-1 record, and will turn their attention to Kazakhstan’s VC Zhetysu in the knockout quarterfinals set for Thursday, April 24.
Shortly before PLDT turns their attention to Zhetysu, head coach Rald Ricafort also made sure to acknowledge his team’s stand against a heavy favorite in the Champions League. After all, they came into the match with little to no expectations, only to find themselves on the verge of a massive upset by simply playing their best against the Thailand League champs.
“Yun naman ‘yung binanggit ko pre-game, basta ibuhos regardless naman ng result, okay kami. Ayun na nga, wala nang mas ha-high level pa na makakalaro ka ng champion team from Thailand eh, so sa nilaro namin, proud kami sa pinerform namin,” said the second-year PLDT tactician.
For Ricafort, going toe-to-toe against Nakhon Ratchasima gives PLDT much-needed experience as they face the taller and equally experienced Zhetysu.
“Yun nga, at least parang naka–una na kami ng isang hard game before dun sa alam namin na mas mahihirap. Pero ita-take namin ‘yung challenge, sa tutal okay naman kami ngayon. Naka-gain kami ng experience na makalaro ng ganon, so hopefully mag-perform at maglalaro lang ulit against Kazakhstan.”
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.