Cignal swiftly recovered from a tough five-set loss to Creamline, dismantling Capital1 in straight sets, 25-12, 25-15, 25-17, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
Despite recent challenges, including a depleted roster following the abrupt departure of key players, the HD Spikers showcased their depth and experience to clinch their sixth win against three losses.
The victory pushed them back into a tie with the idle PLDT High Speed Hitters for third place, keeping their hopes alive for a strong playoff seeding.
Judith Abil delivered a standout performance with 13 points, including 10 off powerful attacks, earning her the Best Player of the Game honors.
Amid Cignal’s roster challenges, she highlighted the importance of collective effort, emphasizing that every player needed to step up.
"The important thing is that everyone stepped up, and everyone was accountable,” she said in Filipino, acknowledging the team’s resilience. She also expressed gratitude to the coaching staff for their unwavering trust and confidence in her.
"I just wanted to contribute and apply everything we've worked on in training during the game," she added.
Ishie Lalongisip also produced a 13-point performance, while Rose Doria-Aquino chipped in 11 markers. Jacqueline Acuña contributed nine points, helping to lighten the scoring load for Vanie Gandler, who finished with seven points.
Gandler’s selflessness allowed her teammates to step up and shine, showcasing the team’s balanced offensive effort.
Backed by a determined supporting cast, Cignal imposed its dominance from the opening serve, dismantling Capital1’s defense with superior firepower and tactical execution.
After dominating the first two sets, the HD Spikers seemed on track for another straightforward victory in the third, surging to a commanding 20-8 lead following a crippling 9-0 run.
However, the Solar Spikers weren’t ready to give up just yet, launching a spirited comeback with a 5-1 run spearheaded by Shola Alvarez and Rovena Instrella. Back-to-back hits from Trisha Genesis kept Capital1 in the game, narrowing the gap to 15-23.
The Solar Spikers fought to stay alive, saving match points with a thrilling rally-ending kill from Genesis and an ace from Instrella after a rare hit by Chamberlaine Cuñada.
But just as the momentum shifted, Instrella made a crucial error at the service line, gifting the HD Spikers the win in one hour and 22 minutes.
While Cignal has faced roster challenges, the HD Spikers’ advantage in experience and system cohesion remained evident. The HD Spikers, a perennial contender in the PVL, have built a foundation of structured play, defensive discipline and high-level execution – factors that proved too much for a still-developing Capital1 squad.
Genesis and Leila Cruz scored six points apiece for Capital1, which also drew five markers from Alvarez and four from Instrella, who only saw action in the third set.
