Intact Cignal shrugged off early challenges from the new-look Galeries Tower before cruising to a straight-set victory, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, in a winning debut at the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Tine Tiamzon led the charge alongside Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, as the Super Spikers answered every rally from the Highrisers — powered by Erika Deloria and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas — to take control early in the 10-team field.
Tiamzon, playing in her fourth conference with Cignal, delivered her finest performance in a Super Spikers jersey. She scored 18 points on 10 attacks, six service aces, and two kill blocks, while contributing five excellent receptions in the one-hour, 12-minute contest.
(C) PVL Images
Gandler added 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces, while PVL On Tour MVP Santos chipped in 13 markers on 11 attacks and two kill blocks. The two helped Cignal dominate the third set, building a lead as wide as 16-5 before closing out the match.
“I think ‘yung ano lang, ‘yung naging investment namin nung offseason. One thing din na naging advantage namin, ‘yung camp namin sa Japan,” said Super Spikers head coach Shaq delos Santos.
“To be honest, nakita namin na nakakagalaw kami, pipilitin talaga namin mas mapaganda ‘yun. Kasi syempre ‘yung mga susunod naming games, mas magiging intense and ‘yun nga, syempre lahat magpe-prepare ng matindi,” he added.
Defensively, Gel Cayuna contributed 12 excellent digs along with three points, while team captain Dawn Catindig registered 10 excellent digs in the win.
It was a confident start for Cignal, which now carries momentum ahead of its high-profile clash with the rejigged Choco Mucho on Thursday at 4:00 PM, at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
For Galeries Tower, Deloria — formerly of Chery Tiggo — shone despite the loss, posting a team-high 10 points (all from attacks) along with six solid receptions. Meanwhile, Pontillas added five markers in her debut with the squad.
The Highrisers will aim to rebound when they face ZUS Coffee on Saturday at 4:00 PM at the Ynares Center Montalban.
