PLDT salvaged some measure of pride after stunning fancied Creamline, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 27-25, Thursday, April 25, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Savi Davison went nuclear and detonated a 27-point bomb including 25 off attacks that handed the High Speed Hitters their eighth win in 11 outings, ending their campaign on a bright note.

While PLDT caught up with the reigning champion in terms of win-loss record, it wasn’t enough though to earn them a spot to the semifinals since the Cool Smashers have the better tiebreaker.

While Davison delivered the mightiest blows, it was libero and skipper Kath Arado who came through big in the fourth set when she came back from cramps early in the set to restore order in PLDT’s floor defense.

With Arado presiding over it, the High Speed Hitters came back from an 18-22 deficit and overcame the Cool Smashers’ gallant stand late to steal the set and eventually the match.

Creamline was able to save two match points including a down-the-line spike from Jema Galanza for 25-all, but an Erika Santos kill and a double block from  Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron sealed the win.

It was Creamline’s worst finish after the elimination round since it placed fifth in its maiden conference seven years ago when the league implemented a quarterfinal format.

Still, the dynastic franchise have booked a league record 14^th straight post-elimination round appearance with a chance at making a return finals trip where it would have a shot at an eighth crown -- another league milestone.

Santos shone for the High Speed Hitters with 15 points including 12 attacks, while Fiola Ceballos added 13 points.

Galanza topscored for the Cool Smashers 16 points, even as Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos finished 12 and 11 points, respectively.