Cignal will enter the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Nxled, 27-25, 25-20, 25-20, on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The HD Spikers wrapped up the preliminary round with a 7-1 record, currently sitting in second place.
They have a chance to finish as the top seed if Akari loses to Farm Fresh – the game is ongoing as of publishing time.
“Going to the quarterfinals, ready naman yung team. Kailangan lang din talaga mag-ingat, magpakundisyon, at mas magfocus pa,” said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
The Chameleons, led by the efforts of Meegan Hart, Lycha Ebon, and Jho Maraguinot, tried to mount a comeback in the third set, even taking a 19-18 lead late in the set.
However, the HD Spikers’ locals stepped up, with Gel Cayuna, Gen Casugod, Chin Basas, and Ces Molina stringing together a 7-1 run to secure the victory in one hour and 38 minutes.
Venezuelan import MJ Perez led Cignal with 17 points, along with 10 digs and seven receptions.
Molina contributed 11 points, while Cayuna dished out 16 excellent sets and added nine points, including four aces.
Jackie Acuña chipped in eight points, while Basas added seven in the win.
The Chameleons ended their campaign with a seven-game losing streak. They won their opener against Galeries Tower, but their season took a downturn afterwards.
American middle blocker Hart finished with 16 points on 14-of-26 spikes, while Ebon backed her up with 15 points.