MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters cruised to a 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 straight set victory over Queensland Pirates of Australia in the 2025 AVC Champions League on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Savannah Davison paced the team with 14 points, all coming from attacks, to be named Player of the Game as the High Speed Hitters took an early 1-0 lead in the Pool D standings.
“I think I need to be more of an attacker in this game, I need to feel the role of easing the team in this national tournament,” Davison said after the game. “I just want to make sure that the team is well-organized and I think we did that.”
Mika Reyes added 11 markers, coming from nine attacks, one block, and a service ace, while Wilma Salas contributed 10 points, including eight attacks, for the High Speed Hitters.
Save for the first set where they fell behind early, the High Speed Hitters displayed their experience and dominance in the next two sets to build a quick double-digit lead and never looked back.
Alisha Stevens and Lilyana Stanojevic finished with eight markers apiece to lead the Pirates in the defeat.
Meanwhile, Creamline Cool Smashers shook off a shaky start to sweep Al Naser Club of Jordan, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, to kick off their campaign.
Alyssa Valdez finished with 11 points, coming from eight attacks, two service aces, and a block, to be named Player of the Game for the many-time PVL champions Cool Smashers.
“We have learned to respect the game no matter what even if they are a younger team compared to us. We also have to give our all kasi they also trained to play volleyball,” Valdez said in a post-game interview.
“Kahit ano mangyari kasi makakaangat at makakapuntos rin sila kaya we have to patient today in terms of everything that we are working on,” she added. “It was a good fight and we are grateful to get the win.”/PN
