Cignal’s Ces Molina celebrates a point against Petro Gazz in the PVL Invitational Conference. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ces Molina joined hands with the returning Jovelyn Gonzaga as Cignal averted a slow start before taking down Petro Gazz, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, for its first win in Pool B in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Molina erupted for 22 points off 21 spikes, while Gonzaga, who returned to the HD Spikers after three years, spelled the difference with 13 points, 20 digs, and six receptions as they beat their Reinforced Conference Finals tormentors in two hours and 11 minutes.
Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos praised Gonzaga, who hardly missed a beat after skipping the All-Filipino Conference due to her commitment to the Philippine women’s beach volleyball team in the Southeast Asian Games and played for Army for the past two PVL seasons.
“Si Jov late na pumasok pero under naman siya sa akin so usap lang sa diskarte ng team andyan lang lagi,” said Delos Santos. “Lahat naman ng ginagawa ng Petro kahit papaano nakapagready, kailangan lang namin ilaro ng normal kasi medyo ano kami kanina nagmamadali sa lahat ,excited na execute ng play, good thing yung service and receive sobrang ganda ng percentage namin.”
Cignal’s Jovelyn Gonzaga. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The HD Spikers also drew contributions from middle blockers Roselyn Doria and Ria Meneses, who combined for five of the team’s eight blocks and finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively. New libero Angela Nunag protected the floor with 17 digs and 13 excellent receptions.
Setter Gel Cayuna dished out 22 excellent sets, as Vanie Gandler debuted with eight points as Cignal joins F2 Logistics on top of Pool B before facing each other on Saturday.
Grethcel Soltones led the Angels with 22 points, while Jonah Sabete added 21 points on top of 13 digs only to fall to 0-1 tied with new team Farm Fresh.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Djanel Cheng, who arrived on Tuesday morning from the national team’s AVC Challenge Cup stint in Indonesia, still played despite the few hours of rest with the latter dishing out 13 excellent sets.
MJ Phillips didn’t suit up as Cignal is clearing up with her Korean V-League team if she can still play in the PVL midseason tournament.