HD Spikers in prime form after nipping young Thais

MJ Perez (right, photo above) scores. —PVL PHOTO

Cignal HD encountered tough resistance from Thailand’s young EST Cola crew before pulling out a 25-23, 27-25, 25-12 victory that gave the HD Spikers momentary hold of the solo lead in the PVL Invitational 2024 on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Just two nights after destroying Farm Fresh, Cignal even had to save a set point in the second frame as the HD Spikers showed a lot of poise in priming up for an anticipated clash with Creamline Monday at 6 p.m. also at the Pasay venue.

The one-hour, 22-minute victory was Cignal’s second straight, even as Creamline (1-0) and the defending champion Kurashiki Ablaze (2-0) were still playing at press time.

Cignal squandered a commanding 2-0 set lead and ultimately fell to Creamline in a thrilling semifinal battle during the recent import-laced Reinforced Conference.

The Cool Smashers, riding the momentum of their comeback win, went on to dominate the Akari Chargers in the finals, securing their ninth championship, placing the team on the cusp of a historic sweep of the season’s three titles.

In this brief nine-day tournament featuring five teams, every match is critical as the top two teams from the single round elimination phase will battle for the championship.

“I’m very happy we pulled off this win. The first two sets were extremely tough, but our mindset was clear–we wanted to get it,” said MJ Perez, who finished with 28 points, including five kill blocks.

Ces Molina backed her up with 12 points and Chin Basas, Gel Cayuna, Roselyn Doria, Riri Meneses and Jacki Acuña combined for 24 points.

Cayuna also shone with 19 excellent sets, outplaying counterpart Kanokporn Sangthong, who had 12 excellent sets.