By Kenneth Joshua Dalde

PHOTO: Spin PH


Cignal HD Spikers displayed resilience as they fashioned out a reverse sweep, 3-2, against the gritty Choco Mucho Flying Titans to earn the solo lead of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena, Thursday.

Down by a 0-2 set deficit, Cignal caught a sense of urgency led by Cess Molina who produced 17 points and 26 excellent receptions to carve a 2-0 win-loss mark via 24-26, 19-25, 25-16, 25-21, 15-11 triumph.

“We adjusted on our defense, especially our service reception, and the coach kept telling us to play the way we used to play,” said Cess Molina.

It was a nip-and-tuck battle during the fifth set as both teams were eager to remain unbeaten, not until Rose Doria and Rachel Daquis connived for a 3-0 run to reach match point, 14-10.

Flying Titans did not surrender easily as Des Cheng unleashed a crucial attack that saved them from one match point, 11-14, but a costly offensive error from Isa Molde led Cignal to win the match, 15-11.

Unheralded Glaudine Troncoso carved a resounding revelation as she scored 13 points, while Ria Meneses and Doria contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Choco Mucho, on the other hand, recovered from a daze and ballooned for a 7-0 blast to erase a 19-24 disadvantage that sealed the first frame, 26-24.

Kat Tolentino erupted for 31 points in a losing heroic, with her team fumbling their momentum when it mattered most— sustaining an early defeat vs. the same faces that beat them for the bronze last Open Conference, giving them a 1-1 win-loss standing. 

Setting the path for the HD Spikers' victory was Gel Cayuna— pouring 32 stellar sets and seven points that also outscored Deanna Wong's 29 excellent sets.

Molde and Cheng each contributed 14 points, while Denden Lazaro-Revila had 26 outstanding digs and 20 outstanding catches.

Cignal's team captain Daquis provided ample help with her 10 points and 18 excellent digs. 

Cignal HD Spikers will face Chery Tiggo Crossovers on July 16, 5:30 pm. Meanwhile, Choco Mucho will try to redeem themselves as they battle against Army Lady Troopers on July 19, 2:30 pm.


Edited by Quian Vencel Galut