The Cignal HD Spikers pulled off a stunning comeback win against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in a five-set thriller at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
After two disappointing shutout losses, the embattled HD Spikers battled their way to a tough 25-14, 25-11, 19-25, 17-25, 15-11 victory to keep their slim hopes of making the semifinals alive in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Thursday at Philsports Arena.
The game was a test of character for Cignal, as they built a comfortable lead only to be pegged back by a resurgent Choco Mucho side. But the HD Spikers kept their composure, relied on their veteran skipper, and showed that they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
With a 2-4 record, Cignal remained in seventh place, but the win could be the spark they need to go on a late run and secure a place in the semifinals.
The HD Spikers still have two more games left in the elimination round, and they will face PLDT and Army-Black Mamba on March 11 and 16, respectively.
Led by their experienced campaigners Rachel Daquis and Ces Molina, the HD Spikers displayed a balanced offense missing in their previous games.
Daquis and Molina both finished with 17 points apiece, while Chai Troncoso and Roselyn Doria matched 15-point outputs, and middle Riri Meneses added 10 markers.
It was a disappointing loss for Choco Mucho, who battled back from two sets down to level the match. But the Flying Titans cracked under pressure in the fifth set, failing to set up a clear attack that led to Daquis’ dink that sealed the win for Cignal.
Isa Molde and Kat Tolentino both had impressive outings for Choco Mucho, finishing with 17 points each.
Des Cheng also added 14 markers, while Maika Ortiz chipped in seven points, mostly on running plays.
After the game, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos praised his team’s resilience and credited their success to their unwavering faith in each other.
“We’re very thankful to the Lord, lahat ng challenges namin, nandiyan siya. We know na magiging matindi yung labanan dahil alam din namin gumalaw ang Choco Mucho. Good thing is na-maintain naming yung good attitude,” he said.
Cignal will take a one-week break before facing PLDT on Saturday at 6:30 pm (Filoil EcoOil Centre) while Choco Mucho will face F2 Logistics on Tuesday also at 6:30 pm (Philsports Arena).
