PVL: Middle blockers spell the difference for Cignal HD Spikers

Cignal HD Spikers’ Ces Molina and Riri Meneses against Marina Tushova and Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — It took a village with strong walls for the Cignal HD Spikers to overcome Marina Tushova’s 50-point explosion, which led the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ gallant stand, and return to the PVL semifinals.

The HD Spikers hung tight through the collective effort fortified by middle blockers Riri Meneses and Jackie Acuña to escape Tushova and the Solar Spikers in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25, 15-12, in the Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

After blowing a two-set lead, Cignal banked on a balanced attack led by MJ Perez’s 34-point and 15-excellent-reception effort and Ces Molina’s 16 points and 14 receptions with setter Gel Cayuna dishing out 21 excellent sets on top of seven points. 

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals

“We have good middles, we have good opposites, we have a great setter. So this is what I think. This is all about teamwork. So that’s why I was keeping a very positive [mindset] in the game,” said the Venezuelan import, who lauded Tushova for being a great player and resetting the PVL scoring record for the third time.

But it was Cignal’s middle blockers who spelled the difference with Meneses providing seven of their 16 blocks to finish with 21 points, while Acuña nailed the game-winning block that prevented Tushova from scoring her 51st point and most importantly, extending the match. 

MJ Perez and the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals against Capital1 Solar Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I always tell Jackie before to wait for her time because once you get the right timing, you will shine. She finally got it [this conference] and I hope she will make the most out of it,” said Meneses of her fellow middle Acuña in Filipino.

“Our coaching staff studied her attacks and trained us hard for this game. We may not mastered her tendencies but at least we knew what to do. Marina is really great.”

READ: PVL: Cignal overcomes Marina Tushova, Capital1 to book semis spot

Acuña, who has been shining as a Cignal starter, credited her rapid development to coach Shaq Delos Santos’ trust and the guidance of her fellow middle blockers Meneses and Rose Doria as well as veteran Gen Casugod.

‘Good for PH volleyball’

Marina Tushova and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Since day one, coach Shaq has been working with me to improve my skills. He’s hands-on and putting extra effort and time for me. I’m grateful that he’s my coach and especially my Best Middle blocker teammates Ate Riri and Ate Doria and even Ate Geneveve. They share a lot of tips and things I can do on and off the court,” said the former National University player in Filipino.

Delos Santos, known for developing strong middle blockers, said Acuña is reaping the fruit of her hard work just like Meneses and Doria, who won Best Middle Blocker awards before. 

READ: Marina Tushova wraps up PVL debut with 50-point explosion

“All of our middles are ready to help the team anytime. I’m proud of Jackie and Riri because they found great timing in blocking [Capital1’s attacks]. Those last two blocks were the most important plays of this game. I’m so happy for Jackie also and I know that she still has a lot to offer,” said the Cignal coach. “

“Import, who have been playing at this high level, will improve the players and coaches here. As you can see, the high level of this conference paved the way for bigger adjustments defensively including the blockings and offensively.  We had to level up our game. It’s good for Philippine volleyball.”

Sportsmanship prevailed after a hard-fought duel as the HD Spikers hugged Tushova before the Russian’s final interview this conference and the latter wished them luck in the semifinal.

The HD Spikers now eye a return to the Reinforced Conference final when they battle the winner of the Creamline-Petro Gazz knockout match in the do-or-die semis on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

“My feeling is that the job here is not done. We still have a job to do and this is the first step, and we knew that it was not gonna be easy. We knew that it was gonna be difficult and we saw it. But now, we have to keep our target and still, this is not our main target. Our main target is to try to be in the finals,” said Perez.