Savi Davison, PLDT seek growth in AVC Champions League

PLDT star Savi Davison and the rest of the High Speed Hitters celebrate a point in their game against Australian squad Queensland Pirates in the AVC Women's Champions League on April 20, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – For Fil-Canadian star spiker Savi Davison, joining the AVC Women's Champions League is all about seeking growth as they soak themselves with international exposure from Asia's best volleyball clubs.

Davison, 26, relished the chance for redemption-seeking PLDT to witness different levels of competition within Asia.

The High Speed Hitters started on the right note, cruising past Australian club Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

"The AVC provides an international platform where athletes who compete are able to witness the level of competition within or around Asia and how the sport differs from country to country," Davison told ABS-CBN News.

"I believe that some of the goals for the upcoming AVC Champions League are to take advantage of the opportunity and overall growth. A successful campaign for PLDT would potentially involve competing with some of the higher ranked teams, but also being able to take lessons away from different teams," she added.

READ: AVC: PLDT makes quick work of Australian squad for first win in Champions League

It's an opportunity to push Philippine volleyball to greater heights, Davison said.

"With certain adjustments and opportunities for growth throughout the league, we will hopefully be able to heighten the standard of play within the Philippines," she said.

Davison said she's mentally preparing herself for all types of weapons from all corners of Asia.

READ: AVC: For Wilma Salas, joining PLDT was 'an easy decision'

"I am not entirely familiar with key players outside of the Philippines since this will also be my first opportunity to play internationally on this side of the world. With that in mind, I am trying to mentally prepare for possibilities of high-caliber athletes competing for certain teams."

But more than the competition and lessons they were about to take, Davison was just grateful to be with the High Speed Hitters and the avenue to take charge of representing the country through volleyball.

"I am extremely blessed to be a part of PLDT to begin with, and exceptionally blessed to have this opportunity provided to us. To represent this country through sport is to represent the support and community that radiates throughout the Philippines."

PLDT is also looking for redemption in the continental tournament after suffering a quarterfinal exit in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.