Cignal got past a surprisingly tough Galeries Tower in the third set en route to a 25-14, 25-16, 25-17 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The third frame witnessed a flurry of miscues from both teams, with seven consecutive errors marring the latter part of the game.
Despite the challenges, the HD Spikers emerged unscathed, scoring four points to establish a 20-16 lead, leading to their one-hour and 21-minute triumph.
“It feels so good to be on the winning track again,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.
It was Cignal’s second straight win in the season-opening conference of this spikefest following a four-set victory over Akari the previous week. The HD Spikers are poised to take on the Nxled Chameleons on 7 March before challenging the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on 14 March.
Ces Molina delivered 14 points while Vanie Gandler made a solid a seven-point showing in a two-set appearance as delos Santos cashed in on his team’s superior power, dominating the Hightowers with a significant 41-22 advantage in spikes while drawing 25 points from their opponents’ errors.
“I think we gave our best today. I am proud of my teammates because all of them contributed to this win. What made it better was that we won in straight sets,” Molina said.
Roselyn Doria and Jovelyn Gonzaga matched six-point outputs while middle Riri Meneses, playmaker Gel Cayuna added five and four points, respectively, and Chay Troncoso and Chin Basas finished with three points apiece.
But it was libero Dawn Catindig who earned the game’s top honors, anchoring Cignal’s defense with 14 excellent digs and six receptions.
“Everything is good, so happy,” said Catindig, emphasizing her dedication and teamwork. “I’m giving it my best every game — with the help of my teammates.”
Despite Galeries momentarily taking a 5-4 lead in the third set, Cignal’s dominance prevailed.
A series of errors from the Hightowers, coupled with crucial plays from Doria and Molina, secured the outcome at 22-17.
The Cignal skipper then scored back-to-back aces, exploiting the Hightowers’ reception struggles, while Troncoso sealed the victory with a decisive baseline hit.
Ysa Jimenez led Galeries with nine points while Grazielle Bombita and Andrea Marzan scored seven and six points, respectively, for the Hightowers, who suffered their second straight loss after falling to the PLDT High Speed Hitters via the same fashion last week.
