PLDT star Savi Davison watched from the sidelines when the birth of a new rivalry in the PVL took place last year.

She joins the fray for the first time on Saturday when the All-Filipino Conference resumes, and can’t wait to deal Akari a loss that is “harder” and lead the High Speed Hitters in carving out a win that is much “sweeter” at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

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PVL All-Filipino resumption: what happened and what to expect

Back in top shape and well-rested after a monthlong holiday break, Davison will be PLDT’s top gun when it slugs it out with Akari in the 6:30 p.m. game, their first clash since the Chargers advanced to the Reinforced Conference finals in a controversial way at the expense of the High Speed Hitters.

Accident in Canada

“I think rivalries are so interesting. I love being part of them,” Davison said. “It just makes everything so much better and so much heavier. You know what I mean? It makes the win sweeter, makes the losses harder.”

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Davison couldn’t do anything to help the PLDT cause in that semifinal match as she was recovering at that time after falling off the stairs and injuring herself in Canada during the break.

And she knows how the entire team felt that time, when a controversial challenge by Akari during the most crucial stage helped award a 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 win to the Chargers.

“Of course, I’m excited to play Akari because we have that chip on our shoulder. Like it’s something to come back for, right?” she said. “We owe them one, right?

“So of course I’m excited, but there’s intent from the whole team, right? So I’m just trying to add to that.”

Akari coach Taka Minowa kept the team sharp during the holiday break.

“We analyzed every game from last season, looking at all teams to pinpoint our own areas for improvement,” Minowa said. “Since then, we’ve been consistently working to enhance those aspects where we are weak.”

Earlier in the day, Farm Fresh (2-3) faces Nxled (0-5) at 1:30 p.m., with the Foxies looking to bolster their record against the still-winless Chameleons. At 4 p.m., Choco Mucho (3-3) takes on ZUS Coffee (2-3), as both teams aim to improve their standings.