Cignal HD Spikers during a win over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Invitational.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Cignal shook off a wobbly start to overpower undermanned ZUS Coffee, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, and keep its slim bronze medal hopes in the PVL Invitational Conference on Monday night at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The much-needed win snapped a two-game skid for the HD Spikers in the Invitational – and a 0-3 card overall – and gave them their first victory in the prelims. More importantly, it reignited their campaign for a podium finish after a five-set setback to the Creamline Cool Smashers and a shutout loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
READ: PVL: Alleiah Malaluan boosts PLDT this time against Cignal
Anchoring Cignal’s resurgence was libero Dawn Catindig, who delivered an impressive performance with 18 excellent digs and 15 receptions.
“It was a team effort – everyone really wanted to bounce back and win,” said Catindig in Filipino, reflecting on their rough start. “When we play like this, each player’s role becomes easier.”
“I’m proud of the team for getting back on track,” added the Alas Pilipinas standout.
Cignal’s one-hour, 49-minute triumph also formalized PLDT’s march to the Finals, with the High Speed Hitters clinching the first berth with an unblemished 4-0 record after surviving Kobe Shinwa University earlier.
After dropping the opening set, the HD Spikers regrouped and returned with renewed purpose in the second frame with a more cohesive attack and tighter floor defense.
Providing a much-needed morale boost for the HD Spikers was the return of Alas Pilipinas mainstays Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig. While Gandler saw limited action, Catindig stepped into a starring role on defense.
READ: PVL: Creamline rallies past Cignal to open PVL Invitational with win
Veterans Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Wielyn Estoque and playmaker Ney Mabilangan spearheaded a surprising Set 1 performance that saw ZUS Coffee control tempo and foil multiple Cignal rallies.
But once the HD Spikers settled into their game, they simply had too much depth and firepower for the shorthanded Thunderbelles to match.
Now at 1-3, Cignal remains in contention for the bronze, depending on the outcomes of the remaining matches. With momentum finally on their side and a full lineup nearing availability, the HD Spikers are eyeing another victory against the Japanese on Thursday.
Erika Santos sizzled with another standout performance, dropping 21 points to lead the HD Spikers.
Ishie Lalongisip broke out of a scoring slump with a solid 13-point outing, while Tin Tiamzon and rookie Erin Pangilinan added 10 points apiece in a balanced offensive effort that overwhelmed the Thunderbelles.
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ZUS Coffee, which fell to 0-2, drew 16 points from Troncoso and 14 markers from Santiago. Estoque and Riza Nogales chipped in a combined 14 points, but the Thunderbelles struggled to keep up offensively in the absence of contributions from their usual key scorers.