PVL: Cignal pulls plug on PLDT’s outright semis bid

Gel Cayuna and Cignal celebrate after dealing PLDT their first loss in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal shattered the outright semifinal hopes of the erstwhile-unbeaten PLDT, dealing its sister team its first defeat, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at FilOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Super Spikers asserted their mastery of the High Speed Hitters, ending the latter’s unbeaten run and denying the lone unscathed squad an elimination round sweep.

READ: PVL: Cayuna’s playmaking and leadership fuel Cignal’s blazing start

Erika Santos powered Cignal with 17 points for the league-leading 4-1 record, while Vanie Gandler had 14 points and eight excellent receptions.

Gel Cayuna dazzled with 18 excellent sets, nine points, and five digs. Ishie Lalongisip tallied seven points and eight excellent receptions. Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña added six each, while libero Dawn Catindig had 17 digs.

“We didn’t dwell too much on our last win. We moved on right away. We’re thankful as well because we had a long preparation heading into this game, so we were really able to prepare well,” said Cayuna after bouncing back from their first loss to Nxled weeks ago.

“We’re grateful that everything we worked on in training was applied in the game.”

Cignal also ended PLDT’s 15-game winning streak in last year’s Reinforced with a straight-set win.

PLDT erased an 11-16 deficit in the third with six straight points after Mika Reyes’ block on Gandler for a 17-16 lead.

READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler shines as Cignal turns back Farm Fresh

But Santos drilled two clutch hits, followed by Gel Cayuna’s ace for a 20-17 breather. Santos and Kianna Dy traded big kills. Gandler gave Cignal a 23-20 but Alleiah Malaluan scored through the block only for Savi Davison to miss her serve, sending their foes to match point.

Davison made up for her costly error with a kill from the backrow. Cayuna drilled the game-winning 1-2 play, which PLDT challenged for a net fault but was unsuccessful.

“We’re very happy and proud because in just about 10 days of recovery and preparation, the impact was really big. I’m very happy because the team, especially the players, put in so much effort,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos.

“The way they played earlier, you could see that they were really eager to win. So we’re just thankful.”

PLDT dropped to a 3-1 record tied with idle Creamline. Davison had 14 points, while Dy added 11 points.