Ces Molina of Cignal delivers. PVL photo
Cignal in close shave
CIGNAL recovered from a second frame setback to repulse Chery Tiggo, 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21 and gain a piece of the lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre last night.
The HD Spikers overcame a six-point deficit in the fourth set with a 10-4 finishing run to post their second straight victory.
Cignal joined PLDT and Akari Chargers as early leaders in the conference spanning six months.
Defensive specialist Dawn Catindig shone for the HD Spikers, recording digs and six receptions.
“It’s a very important win for us. This victory will definitely boost the team’s confidence and serve as a big morale booster as we head into our upcoming games,” said Catindig.
Despite being down by six points midway through the fourth set, Cignal remained undeterred, fighting its way back to claim a hard-earned victory in two hours and two minutes.
“This is exactly what we practice during training – embracing the pressure and staying composed. When the match gets tight, we need to learn how to finish the set in our favor,” Catindig said.
Playmaker Gel Cayuna skillfully directed the HD Spikers’ offense, showcasing her ability to activate quick hits from Riri Meneses during crucial moments. She finished with 20 excellent sets and also contributed significantly on the scoreboard, delivering an impressive nine points.
Ces Molina topscored for Cignal with 13 points, that went along with nine digs and seven receptions while Meneses added 12 points, including two blocks. Gandler and Meneses matched 12-point outputs and had nine receptions.
Roselyn Doria added eight points and Jackie Acuña and Jov Fernandez each scored six points for the HD Spikers.
Up next for Cignal is Choco Mucho next Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Crossovers, who dropped to 1-1, drew double-digit scores from Ara Galang (13 points), Seth Rodriguez (12), Cess Robles (12) and Mary Rhose Dapol (10).
The Crossovers dominated the net, coming away with 10 blocks, six more than the HD Spikers.
But Cignal had a solid attacking game over Chery Tiggo, 58-48, with Gandler and Molina leading the way with 12 kills each.
The Crossovers showed flashes of dominance, particularly with its 11-5 lead early in the fourth set. However, lapses in execution in the clutch allowed the HD Spikers to capitalize.
Despite a valiant effort to force a fifth set, costly errors and Cignal’s late-game execution denied them the chance.
With the win, the HD Spikers are emerging as strong contenders, building on their podium finishes in previous tournaments. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also underscored their focus on sustaining momentum throughout the six-month competition.
