MINGLANILLA – Cignal’s connection remained strong despite a brief power outage, as they defeated Nxled in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, to claim sole leadership in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday in Cebu.
The HD Spikers established dominance early with precise attacks and timely errors from the Chameleons, much to the delight of 4,205 fans inside the packed Minglanilla Sports Complex here.
Cignal fought off spirited fightbacks from Nxled in the next two sets to secure their fourth straight win.
The team remains unbeaten in as many games, breaking the tie with defending champions Creamline, who currently sit at 3-0.
A sudden power outage caused a 30-minute delay during the third set, but it did not prevent the HD Spikers from completing the sweep.
“Siyempre una happy kasi nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. But then again, siguro ‘yung performance namin, for us, even ‘yung players kanina, sabi nila after the game ‘Basta coach babawi kami.’ Kasi kahit sila, ‘di sila satisfied sa performance nila,” said delos Santos.
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With Nxled threatening to extend the match, Jovelyn Fernandez delivered a crucial cross-court hit. Consecutive miscues from the Chameleons followed, giving Cignal a 23-20 advantage late in the third.
Lycha Ebon and Jaila Atienza led a last-ditch attempt to force a fourth set, but Ces Molina sealed the victory with an emphatic off-the-block attack after two hours and five minutes of action.
“Huge respect din sa Nxled, ganda ng performance nila. Grabe ‘yung floor defense nila, even ‘yung attacks. Luckily nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” added delos Santos.
Fan-favorite Vanie Gandler paced the HD Spikers with 13 points, including nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace, plus six excellent digs.
Molina contributed 10 points, while middle blockers Roselyn Doria and Riri Meneses added eight and seven points, respectively.
Gel Cayuna tallied 11 excellent sets along with two points, while Dawn Catindig recorded 12 excellent digs.
Cignal will close out the year against Petro Gazz on Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Philsports Arena, hoping to extend their unbeaten streak heading into the holiday break.
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Meanwhile, Nxled’s struggles continued as they dropped to a disappointing 0-5 record.
Chiara Permentilla once again led the Chameleons with 18 points, all from attacks, while rookie Lucille Almonte added 11 markers and 14 excellent receptions.
Ebon also finished in double digits with 10 points.
Cebuana middle blocker Krisch Macaslang, a native of Sabang, Danao, contributed three points.
The Chameleons will return to action on January 18 against Farm Fresh, hoping to finally end their slump.
