All-Filipino Cignal flipped the script on erstwhile-unbeaten PLDT, stunning them in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21, for its breakthrough win in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Super Spikers had earlier parted ways with Greek import Eva Chantava, forcing them to play without a reinforcement.
Chantava only managed averages of 11.5 points, 6.5 excellent receptions, and 2.5 excellent digs in their first two games, which ended in losses to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Farm Fresh Foxies.
But no import? No problem for Cignal.
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“Nakakatuwa kasi bumalik ulit ‘yung laro nila na I’m sure matagal na rin nilang nami-miss, especially against PLDT pa. So sobrang nakaka-proud and happy talaga,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
After back-to-back hits by Anastasiia Bavykina gave the High Speed Hitters a 20-19 lead in the third set, PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos answered for the Super Spikers.
Santos fired four straight points to push Cignal ahead, 23-20, before Savi Davison stopped the run with a quick hit.
Tine Tiamzon then delivered an off-the-block strike on a combination play, and Heather Guino-o sealed the stunning sweep with a service ace, wrapping up the match in one hour and 22 minutes.
The victory ended PLDT’s 15-game winning streak.
Cignal improved to 1-2 in Pool A, tying Capital1 for fourth and fifth places.
Santos led all scorers with 17 points, all coming from attacks. Ishie Lalongisip added 15 points on 12 spikes and three aces, alongside 11 receptions and eight digs.
Tiamzon contributed nine points, while Rose Doria-Aquino chipped in eight markers for the Super Spikers.
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Both teams return to action on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
Cignal will face Nxled at 4:00 PM, while PLDT aims to bounce back at 6:30 PM against Farm Fresh.
Davison paced the High Speed Hitters, who dropped to 2-1 and fell into a tie for second with Choco Mucho. She finished with 14 points, nine receptions, and seven digs.
Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina added 10 points and 10 receptions.
