Cignal HD Spikers. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Cignal vented its ire on Foton to earn a bounce back 25-10, 25-16, 25-22, and boost its semifinal bid in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Coming off a 10-day break following their four-set loss to F2 Logistics last July 1, the HD Spikers relied on Gel Cayuna’s brilliant plays with Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga dealing the damage to the winless Tornadoes in their 72-minute match.
Cayuna, the conference’s top performing setter so far, dished out 22 excellent sets and fired two aces to finish with three points as they improved to a 2-1 record tied with Petro Gazz in the third place of Pool B.
Molina continued to lead Cignal in scoring with a game-high 16 points off 15 attacks and one block on top of 15 digs, while Gonzaga had 14 points and 10 digs.
“We’re thankful because we had a long preparation from the break. We really prepared for this game because all our matches are crucial. We have to win every game,” said Cayuna in Filipino.
Rose Doria also stepped up with 10 points, as fellow middle blocker Ria Meneses added eight markers including the crucial hits in the third set.
“We made the most of the opportunity during the break. We trained hard after losing in the last game. It was a good sign that we were able to recover and win this game,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos, who seeks to reach the semifinal round where Japanese squad Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh will join the action.
After dominating the first two sets, the Tornadoes put up a gallant fight in the third forcing a 21-21 tie before Gonzaga’s attack and Meneses’ big block pushed the HD Spikers back on top. 23-21.
Jasmine Nabor nailed an attack to stop the bleeding but Vanie Gandler lifted Cignal at match point, 24-22, before Meneses drilled a quick attack to end the game.
Shaya Adorador was the lone bright spot for Foton with 13 points, eight receptions, and six digs only to fall to the brink of elimination with a 0-3 record.
Both teams will battle Farm Fresh next with Cignal battling the Foxies on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., while Foton will take them on Saturday.