The Cignal HD Spikers held off the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to remain undefeated in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The Cignal HD Spikers move to 2-0 in Pool B after downing the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets, 25-18, 29-27, 21-25, 25-22, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 23.
After an impressive sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, the HD Spikers had to overcome the gutsy Thunderbelles--who bagged their first set victory of the conference with the third frame.
In the fourth, Cignal regained its composure after a slow start, which saw ZUS Coffee start off with a 4-0 lead.
But with the steady presence of import MJ Perez and former MVP Ces Molina, the HD Spikers built a three-point lead at 16-13, which was further extended by Jacqueline Acuña and Gyzelle Sy.
ZUS Coffee managed to cut the deficit to just a single point at 22-23. But in the end, Cignal’s firepower proved to be too much as Perez sealed the win with back-to-back hits.
Perez led the way for the HD Spikers with 30 points built on 26 attacks, one block, and three service aces.
Molina contributed 16 markers in the win, while Acuña and fellow middle blocker Riri Meneses had 11 apiece.
Judith Abil had another solid outing for Cignal with 10 excellent digs and receptions. Gel Cayuna also had a stellar game with 21 excellent sets to go along with three points.
Errors hounded the HD Spikers in the match, committing 27 as compared to just 18 from the Thunderbelles.
Asaka Tamaru finished with 23 points for ZUS Coffee to go along with 10 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions. Pascual and Mich Gamit had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Outside hitter Jade Gentapa went down with a left knee injury after an awkward landing in the first set.
Cignal will look to go 3-0 on Saturday, July 27 as they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers at 1:00 p.m. still at PhilSports Arena.