Cignal HD Spikers’ Jovelyn Gonzaga in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
To erase the bitter memories of a tough loss previously, Cignal outclassed Farm Fresh, 25-10, 25-14, 25-15, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Jov Gonzaga showed her leadership with 17 points built around 14 attacks two aces and a block to help the HD Spikers improve to a 5-2 record and form a three-way tie with Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo–all still in contention for a Final Four spot.
“’Yung mga pinaghirapan talaga namin before Holy Week and after talagang na-apply namin ng maayos,” Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos said. “Ang isang challenge lang samin is paano namin siya ma-maintain the whole game.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
“Sobrang proud sa team kasi cinommit talaga nila yung sarili nila para mag-perform nang maayos, especially si Jov [Gonzaga] din grabe yung leadership niya kanina sa loob ng court, maririnig naman natin yung communication and kita sa performance talaga.”
Team captain Ces Molina delivered 11 points including four aces in Cignal’s total of 10 and Vanie Gandler contributed 10 points all from attacks.
Reigning All-Filipino Conference best setter Gel Cayuna mobilized the HD Spikers with 18 excellent sets as Cignal took advantage of Farm Fresh’s lackluster net and floor defense.
READ: PVL: Cignal enters tough, crucial phase in chase of semis berth
Cignal had its heart broken before the break by Creamline who completed a reverse sweep, 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14, behind Tots Carlos’ historic 38 points to run away with the victory.
Knowing the importance of each win it can get as the semifinals looms, the HD Spikers were decided to bounce back and blanked the Foxies who committed 14 errors.
“Naisip kasi namin na the rest of our games very crucial talaga. Minindset ko talaga sarili ko na kailangan ko maging consistent kasi kailangan talaga ako ng team,” Gonzaga said.
“[In] today’s game alam ko talaga magpe-prepare talaga ang Farm Fresh, and lahat ng team naman wala ka na dapat asi-asihin o ano man. Hindi ka talaga dapat maging complacent,” she added.
READ: PVL: Cignal HD Spikers apply remedies after shock defeat
Cignal HD Spikers’ Ces Molina in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
Farm Fresh showed signs of life in the deciding frame and even led early before Roselyn Doria delivered three straight points for a 15-11 Cignal lead.
And the HD Spikers never released its stranglehold of the lead as Gonzaga, Molina and Gandler unleashed an offensive assault on the hapless Foxies who are now on the brink of elimination with a 2-5 standing.
“Maganda yung improvement namin kasi all throughout, lamang kami. Naging close lang yung score, I think mid noong 3rd set but yung thing is nag-pull away,” Delos Santos said.
“Lagi namang ine-emphasize na pwede [kami] magbigay ng instruction pero at the same time, kayo talaga ang gagalaw, kayo ang pupukpok, kayo ang tatapos dyan na nakalagay ang mindset sa points na kailangan,” he said.
“One point at a time pero grabe talaga ang effort para makuha ang one point,” he added.
Cignal will look to improve its bid as it faces a fierce competitor in the Crossovers on April 11, also at PhilSports Arena.