Third-seeded PLDT completed the semifinal cast after taking down sixth-ranked Cignal in four sets, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The High Speed Hitters came out firing, dictating the tempo in the first two sets. After being denied a sweep in the third, they regrouped in the fourth to finish off the Super Spikers and book a knockout semifinal showdown with ZUS Coffee on Thursday.
“Ayun nga, full credit to Cignal. Pinush nila ulit kami, lalo na nung nakuha nila yung third set,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Happy lang ako na mula sa loss sa Petro Gazz, nag-respond ulit yung players — from the preparation tsaka sa game ngayon na na-feel namin yung challenge, yung bigat. Pero ayun nga, na-overcome naman namin,” he added.
(C) PVL Images
Savannah Davison spearheaded the attack, dropping 21 points — despite admitting she was slowed down by Cignal’s defense — built on 18 attacks and three blocks. She also tallied 13 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
She had plenty of support, with Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina contributing 15 points, 12 excellent digs, and six excellent receptions. Majoy Baron added nine points, including five kill blocks.
Mika Reyes also found her rhythm at the right time with seven points, while rookie Alleiah Malaluan chipped in four points in just one set of action.
Team captain Kath Arado anchored the floor defense with 20 excellent digs, and veteran setter Kim Fajardo delivered 19 excellent sets on top of two points.
(C) PVL Images
Cignal, which had a strong late push in the eliminations by winning five of its last six matches, ultimately fell short and ended its campaign earlier than hoped.
Slovak import Katrin Trebichavska posted a triple-double of 18 points — all from attacks — along with 17 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Erika Santos and Jackie Acuña added 12 points each.
Gel Cayuna tallied 21 excellent sets, and Dawn Catindig finished with 21 excellent digs.
