Cignal showed no signs of slowing down, handing quarterfinal-bound ZUS Coffee its first taste of defeat with a stunning straight-set romp, 25-12, 26-24, 25-23, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
What began as a bleak campaign has suddenly turned around, as the Super Spikers strung together back-to-back victories over Akari and the Thunderbelles. They climb to fifth place — just one win away from securing a quarterfinal berth.
Cignal opened the tournament with a 2-3 slate in Pool A, which forced them into Pool C to face the top three teams from Pool B.
So far, the Super Spikers have responded in style. Powered by Slovak import Katrin Trebichavská and the resurgence of PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos, Cignal now stands on the brink of sweeping the second round and booking a playoff spot.
Defending champion Creamline serves as their final test on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
(C) PVL Images
“Sobrang nakaka-proud ‘yung team kasi pinaghirapan talaga,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos after their win over the league’s hottest squad.
“Sobrang happy dahil ‘yun talaga ‘yung goal eh. Pero ang good thing kasi kanina mas nag-focus kasi kami rin sa process and papaan kami gagalaw nang tama,” she added.
Just like in the extended second set, ZUS Coffee mounted a late challenge in the third, with American import Anna DeBeer leading the charge. DeBeer fired back-to-back kills — part of her team’s final five points — to knot the score at 23-all.
But Santos refused to be denied, scoring off the block to bring the Super Spikers to match point. She then capped the night with a resounding rejection on Chinnie Arroyo to seal the win after an hour and 21 minutes of play.
“Sobrang laking help sa’min nito dahil kailangan talaga namin ng panalo para makapasok kami sa quarterfinals. Siguro, nasa mindset namin ngayon mag-focus kami sa team namin dahil lahat for sure ‘yun lang din ‘yung gagawin nila, dahil must-win din ‘yung mga same ng standing namin,” delos Santos said.
Santos led the way with 19 points on 13 attacks, three kill blocks, and three service aces, while Trebichavská added 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, along with 14 excellent receptions for Cignal.
Vanie Gandler, pivotal in their third-set escape, tallied seven points off the bench. Middle blockers Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña contributed six markers each in the crucial triumph.
Gel Cayuna showcased her all-around game with 21 excellent sets, seven excellent digs, and six points, while Dawn Catindig finished with 16 excellent digs.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee showed cracks in its once-impenetrable armor, an alarming sight with the quarterfinals fast approaching. It slipped to 6-1 but remained atop the standings.
DeBeer stood as the lone bright spot for the Thunderbelles, finishing with 26 points along with 11 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. She received little support from the locals, with Thea Gagate emerging as the next best scorer with just five points.
AC Miner and Arroyo were both held to three points each.
ZUS Coffee will aim to wrap up the eliminations on a high note and build momentum heading into the playoffs when they face also-ran Nxled on Tuesday at 1:30 PM.
