The no. 2 Cignal HD Spikers are first to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals after a tense five-set win over Capital1.
It wouldn't be playoff season without a dose of clutch awesomeness.
The Cignal HD Spikers averted a monumental collapse, sending Marina Tushova and the Capital1 Solar Spikers packing after winning their PVL Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals duel, 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25, and 15-12 on Saturday, August 24, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Riri Meneses rose to the occasion with 21 points built on 13 attacks, seven blocks, and one ace for the HD Spikers, who now await the winner of the Creamline-Petro Gazz duel in the semifinals.
The victory was the fourth straight for Cignal, dating back to the homestretch of the group phase. The win also pushed Cignal back to the semis after missing out in the All-Filipino.
However, the win didn't come without some tense moments for the no. 2 HD Spikers.
In an incredible effort, Marina Tushova left everything on the court in trying to will the Solar Spikers to victory. For the third time this conference, the Capital1 super import reset the PVL scoring record, firing 50 points.
Tushova now has the first 50-point game in PVL history.
After Cignal won a second set that extended into the 30s that lasted 46 minutes, Capital1 went to work on the strength of Marina, forcing a decisive fifth set.
However, it was the HD Spikers that controlled the final frame, with Meneses giving Cignal a 13-10 lead after denying Tushova at the net.
Import MJ Perez, who finished with a team-high 34 points, then pushed Cignal match point, 14-11, before Jackie Acuña sealed the win with a strong block on Tushova.
As Cignal moves on to the next round, this game marks the end of a remarkable run for Capital1, which made its first playoff appearance in just its second conference as a PVL franchise.
The Solar Spikers were in 11th-place during their debut tournament in the All-Filipino Conference.