After missing the semifinals of the All-Filipino Conference, Ces Molina and the rest of Cignal have their sights set on a return to the playoffs in the ongoing 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
Molina led the HD Spikers’ bounce back with a 25-10, 25-16, 25-22 victory over Foton at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday. She scored a game-high 16 points with 15 attacks and 15 excellent digs.
Cignal had a successful debut in the Invitationals, defeating Petro Gazz in their opening match. However, they then faced a reality check from F2 Logistics, who handed them a four-set loss of 20-25, 28-30, 25-23, 22-25.
The win put Cignal in third place in Group B with a 2-1 win-loss record.
“I think yung goal namin this conference, mas malinaw yung goal namin na gusto namin makapasok ng semis at makaabot hanggang dulo. And yun nga, kailangan namin maging reliable kami sa isa’t isa ni Angel [Cayuna],” said Molina.
Cignal placed sixth in the All-Filipino Conference earlier this year.
Former PVL Best Setter Gel Cayuna also played a significant role in the win against the Tornadoes. She emphasized the importance of winning their remaining matches to achieve their goal of reaching the semifinals.
Cayuna also attributed their impressive performance to the extensive preparation they had during the VNL break.
“Ayun thankful din kasi nagkaroon kami ng mahaba habang preparation para sa game na ito. Talagang pinaghandaan namin kasi kailangan namin bumawi kasi lahat ng games crucial talaga kaya kailangan maipanalo,” said the former FEU playmaker, who finished with 22 excellent sets.
Cignal will face Farm Fresh on Thursday, before concluding the group phase against Choco Mucho next Thursday.
