MANILA — Cignal clinched its second consecutive win by overpowering Galeries Tower with a decisive victory of 25-14, 25-16, 25-17 in the preliminary round of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (02 Mar 22024).

Frances Molina led the charge with 12 spikes and two aces, while Vanessa Gandler contributed seven points for the HD Spikers, who maintained a solid lead throughout the match, particularly dominating with a 20-16 advantage in the third set.

Coach Shaq delos Santos expressed satisfaction with the win, stating, “The feeling of victory is exhilarating once again. Winning is always fulfilling, but we understand the importance of continuing this momentum.”

Before this match, Cignal secured a notable victory against Akari on Feb. 24, with a score of 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18.

Looking ahead, Cignal is scheduled to face Nxled on March 7 and Choco Mucho on March 14.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Molina remarked, “We gave our best today (Saturday). I’m proud of my teammates because regardless of who steps onto the court, everyone contributes significantly. Winning in straight sets is a testament to our teamwork and dedication.”

Contributing to the victory, Roselyn Doria and Jovelyn Gonzaga each scored six points, while libero Dawn Nicole Catindig showcased exceptional skills with 14 excellent digs and six receptions.

Expressing her satisfaction, Catindig stated, “I’m pleased with our performance. Each game, I give my utmost with the support of my teammates.”

On the opposing side, Ysabel Jamie Jimenez scored nine points, with Grazielle Bombita adding four spikes and three aces for the Hightowers. However, they faced their second consecutive loss after being defeated by the PLDT High-Speed Hitters, 22-25, 6-25, 9-25, last week.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — Choco Mucho ensured there would be no repeat of the previous meltdown, sweeping Cignal 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, and forcing their semifinal series into a sudden-death match in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference held at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

In contrast to the opening game where they let a two-set lead slip away, the Flying Titans worked meticulously, relishing every point to even the best-of-three series at 1-1. The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at the same Pasig venue.

Following a hectic 24 hours, during which he led Sta. Elena-NU to two victories in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed satisfaction that the Choco Mucho team, which had won 10 consecutive games before the series-opening defeat, had shown up.

“We came here with the mindset of making up for our loss in Game 1,” said Alinsunurin. “The players truly delivered. They worked from the first point until the end of the game. There were some struggles on the court, but we were able to adjust, and I’m thankful that we secured Game 2,” he added.

Sisi Rondina shone with 23 points, including two blocks and eight receptions, while Kat Tolentino delivered her best performance of the season with 15 points, contributing two of the Flying Titans’ six blocks.

Determined to lead Choco Mucho to their first-ever Finals appearance since joining the league in 2019, Rondina emphasized the importance of unity to not only win the battle but also the war.

“I keep saying repeatedly that my mindset is always like we’re in a war, and I always say that we will win,” said Rondina.

Jovelyn Gonzaga, one of the HD Spikers’ heroes in Game 1, recorded 13 kills, 10 digs, and seven receptions. However, Gonzaga closed out the one-hour and 41-minute match with a service error, extinguishing hopes of another Cignal comeback.

Ces Molina added 11 points, while Riri Meneses contributed three blocks to finish with 11 points for the HD Spikers. Despite Rose Doria producing a match-best four blocks, the Flying Titans’ attacking prowess proved too much to handle.

(ai/mnm)

Games Tuesday
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs Galeries Tower
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Gerflor
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo

MANILA — In a commanding performance, CIGNAL showcased its superior hitting and blocking prowess, overwhelming Nxled with a convincing 25-17, 25-14, 25-14 victory on Saturday (25 Nov 2023) at the Philsports Arena.

This triumph propelled the veteran-laden HD Spikers one step closer to securing a coveted spot in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference semifinals.

Vanie Gandler played a pivotal role, contributing nine of her 12 points in the opening frame, setting the tone for CIGNAL’s dominance over the youthful Chameleons.

The team’s resilience shone through as they bounced back from a tough defeat to Chery Tiggo, securing a 7-3 record with Gerflor as their final preliminary opponent.

Meanwhile, PetroGazz kept their slim semifinal hopes alive with a hard-fought 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 30-28 triumph over Akari, securing a 6-4 card.

Unfortunately, the Chargers bowed out of contention with their fifth loss in 10 matches.

Drawing valuable lessons from their previous defeat to Chery Tiggo, the HD Spikers demonstrated adaptability, applying newfound strategies in their impressive performance against Nxled.

“Mahirap kasi yung talo namin last game. So ang reminder ng coaching staff (after the loss) is mag-move forward kami kasi may last two games pa kami,” said Jovelyn Gonzaga, who backed Gandler’s strong offensive game with 12 points, including three blocks, and 10 digs.

“Kailangan namin ipanalo para may baon kaming confidence and yung pride namin pagdating sa semis. Ang training talaga namin puspusan talaga,” she added.

Creamline and sister team Choco Mucho have booked the first two Final Four slots, with third-running Chery Tiggo looking to nail the other Final Four spot against already-eliminated F2 Logistics at press time.

“We thank the Lord for this win, and the management, too,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos. “Of course, sa team namin kasi alam ko kung gaano nila pinaghirapan yung naging training namin. Good thing nabawi namin, isa na lang and kailangan namin para sure na kami sa semis.”

Rose Doria also scored 12 points, including two service aces, while Ces Molina had two aces for an 11-point showing and collected 10 digs for the HD Spikers.

Gonzaga also commended Gel Cayuna’s superb game, as the Cignal setter lobbed 14 excellent sets and contributed two of her team’s nine blocks.

“Ike-credit ko din si Gel (Cayuna) kasi ang ganda ng ball distribution niya. Ang ganda ng mga sets niya sa akin,” Gonzaga said.

Lycha Ebon, May Luna, and Camille Victoria each scored six points for the Chameleons, who dropped to 3-7.

(ai/mnm)

Games on Thursday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
1:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Gerflor
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh
6:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Foton

MANILA — F2 Logistics and Cignal got off to a strong start in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference as they triumphed over their respective opponents at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

In their opening match, the Cargo Movers secured a 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 victory against the debuting Farm Fresh, thanks to Jolina Dela Cruz’s decisive ace.

Meanwhile, the HD Spikers overcame a slow start to defeat last conference’s runner-up PetroGazz in a thrilling Pool B opener, with a final score of 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22.

In a crucial moment when the Foxies threatened to prolong the match at 23-23, Aby Maraño delivered a quick kill to put the Cargo Movers at match point after Zam Nolasco’s service ace.

Ivy Lacsina, playing in her new role as an open spiker, led the scoring for F2 Logistics with 13 points. Maraño contributed 10 points, including three blocks and two service aces.

Setter Mars Alba, who, along with Dela Cruz, was part of the La Salle squad that dominated UAAP Season 85, had an impressive debut with 14 excellent sets and matched Maraño’s two service winners.

Dela Cruz made a solid professional debut with seven points and nine receptions, while Jov Fernandez, a former opposite spiker from Far Eastern University, added three points in the third set.

Kim Kianna Dy contributed nine points, and Majoy Baron scored seven points to further bolster the Cargo Movers’ performance.

“Siyempre we are happy na panalo kami but we still have to learn more. We have to make better connections with each other lalo na bago si Marionne (Alba) sa loob ng court so marami pa siyang adjustments,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego.

“Siyempre hindi pa rin ako magsa-stop dahil nanalo kami kasi marami pa rin kaming errors. Marami pang parts na kailangan naming linisin,” she added, as the All-Filipino Cup third placers gave away 22 points from errors.

Ces Molina had 22 points while Jovelyn Gonzaga had a triumphant return as a HD Spiker with a solid all-around game of 13 points, 20 digs and six receptions.

Middles Rose Doria and Riri Meneses had 12 and 11 points, respectively, while setter Gel Cayuna tossed in 22 excellent sets.

Grethcel Soltones came through with 22 points while Jonah Sabete added 21 points for the Angels. Djanel Cheng, fresh from her stint in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women, logged 13 excellent sets as a substitute.

Forming the core of two-time NCAA champions College of Saint Benilde, Farm Fresh still made an impression despite the loss.

Gayle Pascual, the Season 97 Finals MVP, logged three blocks for a 10-point effort, while Wielyn Estoque and Nolasco had eight and six points, respectively, for the Foxies.

Kate Santiago, who along Trisha Tubu left Adamson to turn pro, debuted with seven points. Tubu, meanwhile, could not overcome opening day jitters and finished with three points for Farm Fresh.

(ai/mtvn)