Cignal dodged a major bullet, escaping the hard-fighting Galeries Tower in a thrilling five-set match, 23-25, 25-22, 26-28, 25-14, 15-11, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena.
The playoffs-bound HD Spikers, down two sets to one, mounted a furious comeback in the fourth set and dominated the also-ran Highrisers, forcing a decisive fifth set. With their win, Cignal improved their record to 6-1, securing second place in the standings.
Gel Cayuna was instrumental in the victory, recording a conference-high 31 excellent sets. Her contributions extended beyond setting, as she added eight points—including four service aces—and contributed 10 excellent digs to round out an all-around performance.
(C) PVL Images
“Masaya po pero sobrang challenging talaga ‘yung game namin kanina. Talagang tinest ‘yung pasensya namin kung gaano kahaba kasi alam naman natin na Galeries talaga, matibay sa atake at defense,” said the three-time PVL Best Setter.
“Yun yung naging challenge namin na talagang kinapitan namin kung paano namin sila matatapatan at kung paano maipapanalo ‘yung game.”
With the scores locked at 4-all in the deciding set, Riri Meneses and MJ Perez sparked a crucial 6-1 run that gave Cignal a comfortable 10-5 lead. The HD Spikers maintained control throughout, despite a late push from Dimdim Pacres and Andrea Marzan, who tried to rally the Highrisers back into the match.
Pacres scored off the block, Roselyn Doria’s attack went wide, and Marzan blocked Ces Molina, cutting the lead to just two points at 11-13. However, Perez stopped the rally with a powerful back-row attack, and Cayuna sealed the win with a booming service ace, ending the match after two hours and 17 minutes of intense action.
“Una, very thankful and blessed dahil doon sa panalo and doon sa buong game, no injuries. The good thing is ‘yun nga nakuha namin ‘yung game na ‘to kahit alam namin sa sarili namin na hindi talaga ‘yun ‘yung pwede pa naming igalaw,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
Perez was the top scorer for Cignal, delivering 34 points on 31 attacks and three blocks, along with 16 excellent receptions. Team captain Ces Molina was also key to the victory, contributing 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
Cignal will look to extend their winning streak to three games when they face Nxled on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, despite another impressive defensive showing, Galeries Tower suffered its seventh consecutive loss.
Sutadta Chuewulim led the Highrisers with 19 points, 20 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions, while Ysa Jimenez added 18 points. Alyssa Eroa also made significant contributions with 26 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions in the loss.
Galeries Tower will aim to notch their first victory when they face Capital1 on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
