A PEAKING Cignal took down Creamline, 23-25, 25-23, 28-26, 25-18, to inch closer to a Finals berth in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Entered the match as a first set substitute once more, Tai Bierria sizzled for the HD Spikers with her second straight 21-point outing.

Bierria tallied a match-best three blocks and six receptions for Cignal.

Ria Meneses chipped in 11 points, Angeli Araneta sustained her solid play for the HD Spikers with 10 points, while setter Gel Cayuna also recorded three blocks to go along with seven digs and tossed in 16 excellent sets.

Improving to 2-0 in the round-robin semis, Cignal hopes to get the job done tomorrow in the 2:30 p.m. duel with PetroGazz at the Philsports Arena.

The HD Spikers, third placers in the last two conferences, are eyeing for a breakthrough PVL Finals appearance.

Alyssa Valdez had three service aces to finish with 20 points to go along with 22 points, while Yeliz Basa added 17 points for the Cool Smashers.

Coach Shaq delos Santos was elated on the way things turning out for Cignal after its previous conference’s misfortunes.

“Sobrang happy siyempre kilala natin ang Creamline, mahirap silang talunin. Kung hindi mo paghahandaan, kung hindi ka magpapakundisyon, mahihirapan silang talunin kaya grabe ang respect namin sa kanila,” said Delos Santos.

“Sobrang thankful. Nakaka-proud yung buong team, coaches and players. Kasi I think this is the first time na nakuha naming manalo sa Creamline. Malaking opportunity na mas maging better pa kami sa susunod,” he added.

The loss put Creamline’s Grand Slam in danger as it faces a must-win situation against Chery Tiggo at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The Cool Smashers gave away 33 points off errors.

Games tomorrow

(Philsports Arena)
2:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Cignal
5:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Creamline