PVL: Cignal dominates Farm Fresh

Cignal HD Spikers during a game against the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO

ANTIPOLO— Seeing familiar faces on the other side, Cignal still flaunted its strong bond amid the offseason exodus and swept Farm Fresh, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos was thrilled to see his former players Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela with the Foxies, although the pair didn’t play as they are still working their way back to tip-top shape.

Former HD Spiker AJ Jingco was also among those who signed with Farm Fresh along with Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinchin Basas, and Gen Casugod.

READ: PVL: Rachel Daquis still not 100 percent, misses Farm Fresh opener

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos, Vanie Gandler, and Ces Molina on facing Farm Fresh — the new squad of Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/5Ab5vrDj8p

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 16, 2024

Another ex-Cignal player Alohi Robins-Hardy, who is ineligible to play in the PVL due to draft rules, also supported her new team Farm Fresh.

“Happy ako for them na kahit nasa kabilang team na sila, ibang team na sila. Ang good thing kasi, before ‘to mangyari, nagkaroon na ng adjustment, we know na kung ano’ng mangyayari. So, for us, ‘yung mindset lang namin na kung paano kami magpe-prepare as a team, hindi do’n sa mismong, like, nasa ibang team na sila,” said Delos Santos.

“Siyempre sobrang happy sa naging performance nung team. We know na ‘di pa ‘yun ang gusto nilang gawin. Marami pa kaming pwedeng i-execute nang maayos,” he added.

Ces Molina led the collective effort of the HD Spikers with 14 points built on 11 kills and three aces to dominate Farm Fresh in 87 minutes only committing 11 errors in the game.

The Cignal captain was happy to see Dionela, who played for Cignal for the past 11 years, and Daquis, who was the team’s heart and soul from 2017 to 2023.

“Today we’re looking forward na makalaban sila kaso yun nga wala pa sila marami pa namang chance na makalaban sila na nandon sila sa loob ng court and naglalaro din sila. Happy and proud kami na kung nasaan man sila ngayon I know na makakapag-contribute sila,” said Molina.

“Naging maganda yung teamwork namin ngayon and you can see na nag-perform lahat and nag-contribute talaga. I’m just proud of my teammates and coaching staff namin.”

READ: PVL: Cignal mainstays ready to step up after exodus of players

Jovelyn Fernandez shone in her first start as Cignal’s main opposite spiker with 11 points. Rose Doria and Ria Meneses had seven points each, while setter Gel Cayuna chipped in 16 excellent sets on top of five points.

Alas Pilipinas stars also contributed for Cignal with Vanie Gandler putting up six points, seven digs, and six excellent receptions, helping libero Dawn Catindig, who had 20 digs and five receptions.

Cignal battles Chery Tiggo on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Farm Fresh banked on Trisha Tubu, the lone double-digit scorer of the team with 15 points, as interim coach Benson Bocboc’s debut was spoiled by the HD Spikers.

The Foxies take on the Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday next week at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.