CIGNAL primed up to its much anticipated duel with Creamline today with a 25-23, 27-25, 25-12 triumph over Thailand’s EST Cola yesterday in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.

MJ Perez had 28 points, including five blocks, nine receptions and six digs while Ces Molina had a solid outing with 12 points, 12 digs and six receptions for the HD Spikers.

“I’m very happy we pulled off this win. The first two sets were extremely tough, but our mindset was clear – we wanted to get it,” said Perez.

After posting its second straight victory , Cignal seeks to hurdle its biggest test to reach the Finals.

In a rematch of last conference’s Reinforced Conference semifinal, the HD Spikers meet the Cool Smashers again at the same Pasay venue at 6 p.m. today for a place in the Final.

Cignal lost the chance to reach the championship last week despite reaching match point first in the third set against Creamline, which denied Akari a 11-match sweep in the Reinforced finale.

Creamline and defending champion Kurashiki Ablaze were vying for the solo lead last night.

Warisara Seetaloed led the young Thais with 17 points and 10 receptions.

Gel Cayuna also shone with 19 excellent sets, outplaying counterpart Kanokporn Sangthong, who had 12 excellent sets.

In the first set, the HD Spikers managed to break through at 23-23 with a crucial block by Perez on Phatthaisong, followed by another key point from Perez to take the set.

The second frame mirrored the first. With another deadlock at 23, EST Cola briefly surged ahead with a kill from Wasan after a Cignal overpass.

However, Perez once again delivered for the HD Spikers, securing a set-extending kill. Cayuna then shoved Cignal to set point with a crafty two-handed push, only for Wasan to respond with a drop shot.

But a cross-court attack by Molina and a key block by Molina and Doria on Napatson Pumnin’s set-tying attempt gave Cignal a commanding 2-0 lead.

The third set saw Cignal’s momentum fully take over as EST Cola lost steam.