Cignal books semis seat; rookie Laure lifts Foton

Cignal clinched a semifinal berth on Thursday night in the Philippine Superliga Invitationals at Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Bulacan.

The HD Spikers whipped PLDT Home Fibr, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20, to advance on a 4-0 slate.

Later, Foton stayed in contention for the semifinals with a morale-boosting win over Sta. Lucia Realty, 25-27, 25-15, 25-22, 25-11.

“We needed this win badly. This will surely boost our confidence,” said Jen Reyes, Foton’s libero who accounted for 23 excellent sets.

The Tornadoes are making do without sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat, who flew to Japan to play as imports. Foton did not lack firepower though as rookie Eya Laure exploded with 19 points.

“In the first set, we had to make adjustments with our defense and coverage, but I have the full support of my teammates,” Laure said.

Foton thus tied Sta. Lucia at 2-3, behind Pool D leader F2 Logistics (3-1).