PVL: Cignal inches closer to semis, blasts Nxled

Cignal’s Jov Gonzaga.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Cignal bolstered its semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after dominating Nxled, 25-17, 25-14, 25-14, on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

The HD Spikers moved one win away from securing a seat in the semis after improving to 7-3.

Cignal’s victory over the Chameleons, who dropped to 3-7, also effectively eliminated Akari from semis contention.

“[I’m] very thankful because of the win and we just need one win [now] to be assured of the semis,” said coach Shaq Delos Santos.

“I know how hard they worked in training because of our last game but all of our ‘what ifs’ were dealt with. It’s a good thing we bounced back.”

Cignal HD Spikers.–PVL PHOTO

The HD Spikers got back on track after absorbing a five-set loss to Chery Tiggo on Tuesday.

Unlike its setback a few days ago where they blew a 2-1 set lead over the Crossovers, Cignal made sure it would assert pure dominance over the young Chameleons.

After taking the first set in convincing fashion, the HD Spikers showed no let-up as they took a commanding 14-9 lead early in the second frame.

Vanie Gandler, who finished with 12 points, would then score on a quick attack that would eventually ignite an 8-1 rally to put Cignal on top, 22-10.

Nxled wasn’t even given breathing room in the final set as Cignal began the frame with an 8-2 blitz. The HD Spikers’ lead in the final set grew as much as 11, 20-9.

Helping Gandler on the offensive end was Jovelyn Gonzaga, who also notched 12 points in the dub. Ces Molina also scored 12 while tallying 10 excellent digs to match.

The Chameleons’ troika of Lycha Ebon, May Luna and Camille Victoria combined for 18 points but to no avail.