Cignal sent a resounding message to the rest of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, defeating one of the league’s powerhouses, Choco Mucho, in commanding fashion, 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, at the Philsports Arena.
Despite fielding their leanest lineup of just 11 players – with one sidelined by injury – the HD Spikers displayed remarkable teamwork and resilience. Under the masterful guidance of coach Shaq delos Santos, they claimed their third consecutive victory in two hours and seven minutes, tying PLDT for the league lead.
Cignal dominated the first two sets with a balanced mix of offense and defense, only faltering in the third set due to an uncharacteristic meltdown.
Choco Mucho, spearheaded by Sisi Rondina and Dindin Manabat, capitalized on the opportunity, closing the third frame with a decisive 5-0 run to extend the match.
However, the HD Spikers regrouped in the fourth set, demonstrating their ability to bounce back from setbacks. In a thrilling back-and-forth duel, they emerged victorious, fending off a late rally by the Flying Titans and closing out the match with a decisive finishing surge.
Playmaker Gel Cayuna dished out another stellar performance, recording 16 excellent sets and an impressive 11-point contribution, including seven from attacks.
She credited her teammates for their relentless effort, saying, “Grabe nila ilaban kanina. Sana tuloy-tuloy ang panalo namin.”
Reflecting on their third-set stumble, Cayuna acknowledged the team’s struggle with consistency.
“Medyo bumaba ang laro namin sa third set, nawala ‘yung consistency,” she admitted. “Pero naibalik naman ang eagerness sa loob ng court.”
In a rare display of offensive prowess, middle blocker Jackie Acuña led the scoring with 14 points, while Ces Molina added 13 markers, and Gandler and Meneses each contributed 10 points, highlighting the team’s well-balanced attack.
Gandler also shone in defense, finishing with 14 excellent digs and five receptions.
Cignal outperformed Choco Mucho in blocks, 11-4, countering the Flying Titans’ edge in attacks, 59-53. The HD Spikers also capitalized on their rivals’ inconsistency, netting 27 points off errors, while limiting their own miscues to 18.
Despite the absence of Roselyn Doria, Cignal’s depth shone through. Key players like Gandler, Molina and Cayuna delivered when it mattered, with contributions from across the roster highlighting the team’s collective strength.
Choco Mucho, coming off back-to-back victories over Galeries Tower and Capital1, put up a strong fight, particularly in the third set. The Flying Titans mounted a late threat in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 21-23 with consecutive hits from Royse Tubino.
However, Gandler responded with a powerful off-the-block attack. Although Tubino kept the Titans within striking distance with a sharp cross-court shot, the HD Spikers sealed the set – and the match – when Dindin Manabat’s attack sailed wide.
Sisi Rondina, who tallied 24 points, and Manabat delivered crucial plays during their team’s brief resurgence, but their efforts fell short against a resolute Cignal squad.
Tubino backed Rondina with 15 points, while Manabat finished with 11 markers
