Cignal HD Spikers’ MJ Perez in the PVL Invitational Conference.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Cignal swept Farm Fresh, 25-16, 25-10, 25-18, to open its 2024 PVL Invitational Conference campaign on a high note on Friday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Two days after winning bronze in the Reinforced Conference, the HD Spikers stamped their class with an 81-minute win led by MJ Perez’s 16-point outing.
Perez, the newly-crowned Best Foreign Guest Player, dropped 15 kills on top of 10 digs as Cignal tied Reinforced champion Creamline behind the 2-0 Kurashiki Ablaze.
READ: PVL: Cignal salvages Reinforced bronze after edging PLDT
“Very happy of course I didn’t expect that because I’ve done my best to make my team win and tried to contribute as much as I can. This award means a lot to me. Thanks to my teammates for supporting me. If not for them, I won’t be able to get this award,” said the Venezuelan hitter.
“We lost our chance in the Reinforced Conference but we still have our chance so we will do our best even though it’s very hard because every day we have games. We have to deal with our tiredness. It’s all about mindset. We will do our best to get the best result.”
Ces Molina delivered 11 points. Jackie Acuña provided five of the HD Spikers’ nine blocks to finish with 11 points, as Reinforced Conference Best Setter Gel Cayuna had 13 excellent sets and six points.
“Ready naman kami kasi last conference nakapag-prepare na kami. Tuloy tuloy naman yung liga. Still nagre-recover pa rin yung mga katawan namin and yung mental health namin. Hopefully, makapag-perform pa kami ng maganda,” said Molina.
Cignal recently had a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Creamline before winning the bronze medal game against PLDT two days ago.
READ: PVL: Creamline survives Cignal book Reinforced final ticket
“Lagi ko sinasabi very thankful and happy and proud kasi dito sa team namin ang observation ko nagaautomatic na yung galaw namin. Hopefully, mas magimprove pa kami,” said HD Spikers coach Shaq Delos Santos.
Cignal, which finished bronze in the past two Invitational Conferences, battles under20 Thai national team on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Japanese Asaka Tamaru single-handedly carried the Foxies with nine points, nine digs, and eight excellent receptions.
Farm Fresh fell to a 0-2 record tied with EST Cola, which it battles on Monday also at MOA Arena.