VANIE Gandler came through with 13 points and six digs as Cignal remained undefeated following a 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 victory over Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Minglanilla Sports Complex in Cebu last night.

The HD Spikers reclaimed the top spot with a 4-0 record, while sending the Chameleons reeling to their fifth successive defeat.

Cignal also drew usual numbers from Ces Molina, who hammered 10 kills, libero Dawn Catindig, who collected 12 digs and setter Gel Cayuna, who lobbed 11 excellent sets.

The moment went to Gandler, who wowed the Cebuano crowd with nine kills, match-best three blocks and a service ace.

Despite a brief power interruption in the third set, the HD Spikers showed resiliency to complete the straight-set romp.

“Siyempre happy kami kasi nakuha namin ang panalo,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.

The HD Spikers though were disappointed with the way they showed in the match, as they needed a huge 9-0 run in the third set to turn things around.

“The players, after the game, ang sabi nila sa akin, ‘coach babawi kami, babawi kami’. Kasi alam nila na hindi sila na-satisfied sa performance nila,” Delos Santos said.

Chiara Permentilla had 18 attacks and six digs to lead Nxled while Lycha Ebon added 10 points.

“Huge respect din sa Nxled, ganda ng performance nila. Grabe ‘yung floor defense nila, even ‘yung attacks. Luckily nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” Delos Santos said.

Cignal will close out the year against Petro Gazz on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, hoping to extend its unbeaten streak heading into the Christmas break.

The Chameleons will return to action on January 18 against Farm Fresh, hoping to finally end their slump.

Games Tuesday;

(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – PetroGazz vs PLDT
6:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Akari

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado