
Cignal zeroes in on PVL bronze medal
CIGNAL, still heartbroken after losing to Choco Mucho for a place in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference Finals, turned back Chery Tiggo, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20, to inch closer in securing the bronze medal at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Vanie Gandler logged 21 points, Jovelyn Gonzaga had three blocks for a 15-point effort to go along with 17 digs and 12 receptions while Ces Molina hammered 13 kills and collected 14 digs and 14 receptions.
Seizing a 1-0 series lead, Cignal shoots for its fourth third-place finish in Game 2 tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Shaq delos Santos was happy to see the HD Spikers regroup after their semifinals elimination by the Flying Titans.
“Sobrang blessed. Kahit nag-struggle kami noong last game namin, good thing nakabawi kami. Importante para sa amin ito,” said Delos Santos.
“I’m very happy of course with how the team performed given that we didn’t have much time to rest. We were very tired but today it was really more a test of character and heart,” said Gandler.
“We just all poured our hearts out and hopefully, the same happens on Saturday,” she added.
Pauline Gaston had three blocks for a 14-point effort while Mylene Paat and Eya Laure each scored 13 points for the Crossovers, who have lost five in a row dating back to the preliminaries.
Meanwhile, Akari yesterday announced the resignation of Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito after steering the club to four conferences.
Under his guidance, the Chargers achieved back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference. However, Akari slipped to 10th place in the Invitational Conference.
De Brito’s most successful campaign with the Chargers occurred in the Second All-Filipino Conference, where they won five matches for a club-best seventh place finish.
“Coach Jorge Souza de Brito has submitted his resignation as the head coach of the Akari Chargers, effective December 15, 2023,” said the club in a statement.
“Akari management has accepted Coach Jorge’s resignation and offers our sincerest appreciation, thanking him for his time and service during the four conferences he has served as the head tactician of this young, promising team.
“We wish Coach Jorge the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
While the management has yet to announce De Brito’s replacement, the Chargers revealed that more announcements regarding the club’s future direction will be made soon.
“More announcements will follow soon regarding the new direction the Akari Chargers will take moving forward.”