Cignal completed a sweep of the elimination round with a hard-earned 18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 15-13 win over College of Saint Benilde in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League women’s tournament on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The HD Spikers had a great encounter with the Lady Blazers as their backs were against the wall but kept their composure in the fifth deciding set to secure their fourth straight win after two hours and 19 minutes in the competition organized by the PNVF, headed by President Ramon Suzara.
“Impressive yung energy ng Saint Benilde, pati na yung attacks at floor defense nila,” lauded Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “Sobrang nirerespeto namin sila kaya’t kailangan talaga namin mag-focus.”
Ces Molina, who tallied 15 kills, three service aces, and a block for 19 points, delivered four crucial points that gave Cignal a 14-11 lead in the fifth set before Saint Benilde came within 13-14.
But a service error by the Lady Blazers ended their run, allowing the HD Spikers to escape in the tournament backed by PLDT Ayala Land, Nuvali, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+, Mikasa, Senoh, Foton, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Former Ateneo de Manila University standout Vanie Gandler provided 12 points on top of 11 kills and a serve, while Riri Meneses and Jacqueline Acuña added eight points each for Cignal.
The Lady Blazers outsmarted the HD Spikers in the opening set with their serves and unpredictable attacks to get the first set, but the crew of De Los Santos was able to make the necessary adjustments to bounce back in the following sets.
Corrine Apostol and Clydel Catarig led Saint Benilde with 13 and 10 points, respectively. The Lady Blazers dropped to a 1-2 win-loss record.
All games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+ and livestreamed on Pilipinas Live and on a delayed basis on Cignal.
