Savannah Davison embarked on a journey of a lifetime, moving from Canada to her motherland, the Philippines.
This past Sunday, the premier volleyball league bore witness to the arrival of PLDT's newest weapon, as Davison took the spotlight for her inaugural appearance.
It was a moment that sent shivers down her spine, admitting that she felt the jitters as she stood at the cusp of her Premier Volleyball League debut. In a coliseum filled with more than 14,000 fervent fans, the atmosphere was electric, marking the grand opening of the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference. But the nerves that initially gripped her were soon replaced by a resolve that would leave an indelible mark.
Savannah Davison, a 5-foot-10 wing spiker, exhibited a performance that left everyone awe-struck as she led PLDT to a resounding victory against Akari with a scoreline of 25-16, 25-16, 25-23. She provided a staggering 19 points, built on 14 powerful attacks, three unyielding blocks, and two aces, all complemented by her flawless seven digs and six receptions.
Reflecting on her debut, Davison said, "I think the first game definitely took me by surprise. The fans are amazing, so supportive, but when you come from somewhere else, it looks different, right? I’m glad that I’m all acclimated, I’m used to it now, and I just kind of went into this game as calm as I could be."
Davison's journey to the Philippines is a tale of ambition and unwavering dedication. Her path meandered from New Mexico State University to Oklahoma University, where she honed her skills in the competitive arena of US NCAA Division 1 volleyball. Her arrival in the Philippines opened her eyes to the passionate volleyball community and their unwavering support.
"I think the biggest shock was the atmosphere. We have supportive fans back home in Canada, when I played in the States, but not as supportive as you know, Filipino arenas," shared Davison. The fervor of Filipino fans added a layer of pressure that only fueled her determination.
As she stepped onto the court, Davison confronted the reality of playing in front of thousands of fans. She shared her strategy: "I kind of brought it back to the first game. I was like, 'What do you wanna feel? How do you wanna play?' and kinda just tuned it out and really focused on the game."
Davison's humility and admiration for Filipino volleyball fans were evident as she acknowledged their crucial role in the sport's growth in the Philippines. "I think the support here is more than I can imagine, but that’s why the game has gotten so far in the Philippines," she remarked.
Her debut may have seen her net 17 points, but her efficiency on spikes left room for improvement. In her second game against the Chargers, she showcased an impressive 14-of-39 conversion, signifying her steady adaptation to head coach Rald Ricafort's system.
As the PLDT team continues to gel, Davison is optimistic about the team's limitless potential. "I mean, this is only our second game, so the sky's the limit. There's really no limit to what we're gonna do in Game 3, Game 4," she exclaimed. Her dedication and willingness to learn are evident as she embraces her role and continues to fit seamlessly into the team.
Savannah Davison's arrival in the Philippines has ushered in a new era for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, and her journey from Canada to the heart of Filipino volleyball is just beginning.
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