Cignal emerged victorious in a gripping semifinal clash that went the distance, outwitting and outlasting Kurashiki in a dramatic 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11 win at the Philsports Arena late Wednesday to seal an all-Filipino finale in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational 2024.
In a match that tested both power and composure, the HD Spikers displayed nerves of steel, particularly in the decisive fifth set. After battling back from two-point deficits, they leaned on the relentless power of MJ Perez, who delivered in the clutch to propel Cignal to victory.
With the win, the HD Spikers set up a highly anticipated showdown against the formidable Creamline Cool Smashers, who are chasing an unprecedented grand slam in the league organized by Sports Vision.
The championship match is set for 6 on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Kurashiki and Est Cola will vie for the bronze medal at 4 p.m.
Perez eclipsed her previous best of 35 points, which she achieved in a losing effort against Creamline, firing a new personal best of 36 points while finishing with 21 excellent digs. She dominated the closing stretch, delivering three critical points, including a well-placed drop ball that gave Cignal a crucial 12-10 lead in the final set.
Despite Kurashiki’s resolute defense, Perez continued to attack with precision, increasing Cignal's lead to three points with another kill. Though Yukino Yano kept Kurashiki in the fight with a baseline hit, Perez once again went to work, setting up match point with a vicious spike.
Under mounting pressure, Kurashiki scrambled to counter, but Yano's final attack sailed long, sparking a jubilant celebration among the HD Spikers, their coaches and supporters.
The celebration was momentarily interrupted by a ball-in/ball-out challenge from Kurashiki, but the decision stood, officially handing Cignal the match.
Cignal finished with a 3-1 record, second only to Creamline’s perfect 4-0 slate. Kurashiki wound up with a 2-2 slate, while Est Cola and Farm Fresh ended the tournament with 1-3 and 0-4 marks, respectively.
Libero Dawn Catindig was equally stellar, delivering one of her best performances to date. Her tenacious defense saw her rack up 27 excellent digs, constantly diving and saving balls, helping anchor Cignal's victory.
“I just focused on staying composed,” said Catindig. “I needed to contribute to the team.”
Looking ahead to the finals against the nine-time champion Creamline, which bested Cignal in four sets last Monday, Catindig expressed her team's determination: "Gigil na gigl kami na makabawi.”
The victory was particularly sweet for Cignal, as it paved the way for their shot at a first-ever PVL championship, facing a team that has been their nemesis in recent matchups.
Creamline swept Cignal in their last two encounters, including a five-set thriller in the semifinals of the Reinforced Conference, and most recently in four sets during the elims of the Invitational.
But the HD Spikers, riding the momentum of this semifinal win, now have their sights set on a different outcome on the biggest stage.
Leading the charge for Cignal was the ever-reliable Perez, who displayed her firepower and leadership, especially in the crucial moments. Supported by Ces Molina, Jackie Acuña, Ria Meneses setter Gel Cayuna, and Catindig, the HD Spikers thwarted Kurashiki’s bid to set up a second consecutive title showdown with Creamline.
Molina scored 13 points, Acuña and Meneses matched 10-point outputs, while Vanie Gandler contributed two points in the first two sets following a stint with Alas Pilipinas. Cayuna finished with 22 excellent sets.
Mei Cing Low topscored for Kurashiki with 24 points, while Saki Tanabe and Yano finished with 19 and 17 points, respectively, while Saya Taniguchi added 13 points for the dethroned champions.
