Cignal needed a stellar performance from Gel Cayuna to overcome the winless Galeries Tower on Thursday evening.
Cayuna delivered 31 excellent sets while contributing nine points herself – including four aces – to lead the HD Spikers past the gritty Highrisers in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-22, 26-28, 25-14, 15-11.
Relieved after the narrow victory, the three-time Premier Volleyball League Best Setter expressed that this match would only strengthen their team as the competition intensifies.
With a 6-1 record, Cignal has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference.
They trail only the league leader Akari, which holds a perfect 7-0 record.
“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 Cayuna.
“’Yun yung naging challenge namin na talagang kinapitan namin kung paano namin sila matatapatan at kung paano maipapanalo ‘yung game.”
(C) PVL Images
The HD Spikers also relied heavily on MJ Perez’s 34 points, Ces Molina’s 19, Riri Meneses’ 10, and Jackie Acuña’s eight.
Perez’s 34-point explosion, her best of the conference, was the result of ongoing communication with Cayuna.
But for the Far Eastern University product, her connection with Perez will only improve, and she hopes it peaks during the knockout rounds as Cignal eyes its first title.
“Patagal nang patagal, talagang nakukuha na namin ‘yung gusto niyang set, and yun nga, talagang lagi naming inaaral ‘yung mga combination plays kasi hindi naman pwedeng puro basic lang,” Cayuna shared.
“Yun, so far okay na, and looking forward pa ako sa mga matututunan ko and mga advice ni Amiga.”
Before the knockout quarters, the HD Spikers aim to extend their winning streak.
They wrap up the preliminary round on Tuesday against a struggling Nxled team, which is on a six-game losing streak.
