Cignal’s MJ Perez in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Cignal gained all the momentum it needs heading into the PVL Reinforced Conference playoffs after ending its preliminary campaign with a swift 27-25, 25-20, 25-20 victory against Nxled on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The HD Spikers continued to bank on the prolific MJ Perez who finished with 17 attack points apart from 10 excellent digs to move on to the quarterfinals with a 7-1 standing, their only loss coming against Akari.
Ces Molina added 11 attack points in the sweep of the eliminated Chameleons, who ended the import-laden conference with a lone win and seven straight losses.
READ: PVL: Gel Cayuna-MJ Perez connection doing wonders for Cignal
Cignal on the quarterfinals. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/gSf5p2i7NC
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 20, 2024
“Sobrang happy and proud sa team kasi syempre nakuha namin ‘tong last game namin ulit,” coach Shaq delos Santos said. “Going to quarterfinals, ready naman yung team, kailangan lang din namin mag-ingat, magpa-kondisyon and mas mag-focus pa.”
Playmaker Gel Cayuna displayed an all-around effort, contributing nine points other than her 16 excellent sets.
“I think it’s always the goal ng team na makapag-contribute and makapag-laro, makapag-perform ng maganda,” Molina said.
“Goal naman talaga namin ngayon is una makapasok talaga kami sa quarterfinals and then after that, tuloy-tuloy na,” she added.
After that loss to the undefeated Chargers, the HD Spikers will be advancing to the playoffs riding a three-game winning streak.
READ: PVL: Cignal fends off Galeries Towers in five sets
Heating up too late to salvage Nxled’s campaign, Meegan Hart finished with 16 points and Jho Maraguinot 15 points as well as 10 excellent receptions.
Already down two sets, Lycha Ebon scored one of her three total points from the back row to give the Chameleons a short-lived lead, 18-19. Nxled scrambled in the next possession as Gen Casugod capitalized on a drop attack, 20-19.
Ebon committed an attack error that setter Maji Mangulabnan got back in the next play. Casugod scored again this time from a running attack followed by Chin Basas for a 23-20 advantage.
Cayuna scored off an important ace to move Cignal to match point with Molina hammering a kill through the block to seal the result.