Cignal demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical prowess in its Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries match against Chery Tiggo, securing a 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21 victory that propelled the HD Spikers into a three-way tie for the lead at the FilOil EcoOil Arena on Thursday.
Coach Shaq Delos Santos displayed strategic brilliance, particularly in shuffling his lineup after a second-set loss. His adjustments helped the team dominate the third set and outmaneuver the Crossovers in the critical moments of the fourth.
The HD Spikers overcame a six-point deficit in the fourth set with a 10-4 finishing run. Key contributions from Riri Meneses and Vanie Gandler, supported by Ces Molina's timely attacks, proved pivotal in their resurgence.
Defensive specialist Dawn Catindig also shone for the HD Spikers, recording 23 excellent digs and six receptions, her consistency earning her the Best Player of the Game honors.
“It’s a very important win for us. This victory will definitely boost the team’s confidence and serve as a big morale booster as we head into our upcoming games,” said Catindig.
Despite being down by six points midway through the fourth set, the HD Spikers remained undeterred, fighting their way back to claim a hard-earned victory in two hours and two minutes.
“This is exactly what we practice during training – embracing the pressure and staying composed. When the match gets tight, we need to learn how to finish the set in our favor,” she added in Filipino.
Playmaker Gel Cayuna skillfully directed the team’s offense, showcasing her ability to activate quick hits from Meneses during crucial moments. She finished with 20 excellent sets and also contributed significantly on the scoreboard, delivering an impressive nine points to bolster the HD Spikers' attack.
Meneses and Vanie Gandler both provided key offensive bursts, especially during the HD Spikers’ clutch rallies.
Despite trailing midway through the final set, Cignal maintained composure. The HD Spikers ability to execute under pressure highlighted their mental toughness and preparation, as noted by Catindig.
Meneses topscored with 13 points, while Gandler and Meneses matched 12-point outputs and Roselyn Doria added eight markers and Jacqueline Acuña and Jovelyn Fernandez each scored six points.
Chery Tiggo, who dropped to 1-1, also drew double-digit scores from Ara Galang (13 points), Seth Rodriguez (12), Cess Robles (12) and Mary Rhose Dapol (10). Though they yielded 10 points in spikes, 48-58, the Crossovers dominated the net, coming away with 10 blocks, six more than the HD Spikers.
But Cignal pounced on Chery Tiggo’s shaky reception, scoring 10 aces, including three straight from Cayuna in the third set, against the Crossovers’ three.
Chery Tiggo showed flashes of dominance, particularly with its 11-5 lead early in the fourth set. However, lapses in execution in the clutch allowed the HD Spikers to capitalize. Despite a valiant effort to force a fifth set, costly errors and Cignal's late-game execution denied them the chance.
With the win, the HD Spikers are emerging as strong contenders, building on their podium finishes in previous tournaments. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also underscored their focus on sustaining momentum throughout the six-month competition.
The HD Spikers' next matches will test whether they can maintain this high level of play as they aim to finish the season on top. They will face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans next on Nov. 28 at the Philsports Arena.
