Following a deflating five-set loss to Chery Tiggo, Cignal vented its ire on Nxled, securing a victory of 25-17, 25-14, 25-14, to move closer to a spot in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The HD Spikers, who squandered a 2-1 advantage over the Crossovers last Tuesday, made a strong comeback, dominating the also-ran Chameleons in a lopsided affair that brought their standing to 7-3.
Furthermore, Cignal’s triumph eliminated Akari from contention for a spot in the semis, as they were set to face Petro Gazz later in the day.
“First of all, thank you kay Lord at sa management, laging nandyan, and of course sa team namin kasi alam ko kung gaano nila pinaghirapan yung naging training namin dahil meron kaming word na hugot dahil sa last game,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
The HD Spikers dominated the first two sets before securing a lopsided third frame. They led by as much as 13 points, thanks to a five-to-nothing run led by Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chin Basas, and Roselyn Doria, turning a 17-9 spread into a 22-19 advantage.
Nxled attempted to force its way back into the game with May Luna leading a 4-0 run, but it was not enough. Basas, Jackie Acuna, and Ces Molina put on the finishing touches after 73 minutes of play.
“Yung mga what if namin, good thing nabawi namin, and very thankful kasi panalo. Isa na lang, isa na lang yung kailangan namin para sure na kami sa semis,” added delos Santos, as the HD Spikers are now a win away from making it to the playoffs.
Gel Cayuna’s balanced ball distribution was once again in full effect, dishing out 14 excellent sets to help produce four double-digit scorers for Cignal. She also had four points.
Gonzaga, meanwhile, showcased her all-around play anew and tallied 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks, along with 10 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions in the victory.
Vanie Gandler and Doria tallied 12 points each, while team captain Molina chipped in 11 markers.
On the other hand, no player from Nxled breached double digits in scoring, with Luna, Lycha Ebon, and Camille Victoria scoring six points each in the loss, bringing them down to 3-7 in the standings, still at the ninth spot.
Cignal looks to clinch its spot in the Final Four against Gerflor on December 5, 2:00 PM, at the same arena. Meanwhile, Nxled will fly to Iloilo, where they will take on Farm Fresh on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
