CIGNAL may have the upper hand in their Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference semifinals series with Choco Mucho after completing a stunning reversal in Thursday’s night opener.

But coach Shaq delos Santos knows that the HD Spikers need to a better performance in Game 2, as the Flying Titans are expected to show up in the 4 p.m. match more aggressive.

Down by two sets, Cignal was able to grind it out to hammer out a 18-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-10, win over Choco Mucho.

“Sobrang proud ako sa team especially sa mga players kasi grabe yung effort. Ginusto nila kaya ang resulta, maganda,” said Delos Santos. “Pero hindi kami puwedeng maging complacent pero puwede namin enjoyin yung panalo namin.”

Team captain Ces Molina played her role to the hilt, spearheading the HD Spikers’ big fightback to finish with 23 points, including two blocks, 19 blocks and 16 receptions.

Vanie Gandler, a revelation for Cignal this conference, continued to shine as the former Ateneo standout came away with 17 points, including two service aces, while Jovelyn Gonzaga also flourished with 16 points.

The HD Spikers, however, need to improve their blocking in Game 2, as Riri Menenes had a listless start before getting her game going in the three sets that they won.

Despite the loss that ended their 10-match winning streak, the Flying Titans have the capabilities to bounce back strong.

Sisi Rondina, who logged 19 points and 15 receptions in Game 1, will be Choco Mucho’s main weapon during crunchtime.

The Flying Titans hope to sustain their solid net defense. Choco Mucho scored 11 points on blocks, five more than Cignal.

In the other Final Four series, unless Chery Tiggo produces a solid defensive game to at least slow down the dominant Creamline side, the Cool Smashers could well be on their way to a 10th PVL championship appearance.

Gametime is at 6 p.m.

Veteran skipper Alyssa Valdez served as the catalyst in a back-and-forth second set duel in Game 1, scoring three straight points and Creamline went on to pound out a 25-18, 27-25, 25-22 victory, the 12th straight counting the 11 matches it swept in the prelims of the season-ending conference.

By this time, coach Sherwin Meneses has already studied the lapses the Cool Smashers committed and the tendencies the Crossovers they showed in last Thursday’s opener.

Game 3, if necessary, will be played on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.