September 20, 2024

PVL: Cignal salvages bronze in Reinforced Conference, thwarts PLDT in four sets

PVL: Cignal salvages bronze in Reinforced Conference, thwarts PLDT in four sets
With the win against PLDT, Cignal claimed their fifth third-place finish in franchise history. | Photos (c) RM Chua/One Sports

It would not be an awesome top three finish without the Cignal HD Spikers in it. 

Cignal ended its 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on a high, rallying late in the fourth set to disconnect the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 20-25, 25-19, 25-18 and 25-23 to  claim bronze at the PhilSports Arena on September 4, Wednesday. 

MJ Perez starred anew for the HD Spikers with 26 points built on 22 attacks, three blocks, and one ace in another monster offensive outing. 

Trailing 23-20, Cignal leaned on a clutch 5-0 run capped off by back-to-back Perez hits to seal a four-set triumph in another marathon duel.

At 23-22, captain Ces Molina challenged the referees' call that the ball touched her head after hitting it off the block. The second referee had called it a head touch, but Molina contested it--pointing at the replay. The officials then called for a referees' challenge, overturning the decision.

It was enough to wipe PLDT's momentum and for Cignal to march to victory.

Though finishing a place lower then their runner-up finish in the last edition of the tournament, Cignal is heading to the season-ending Invitational Conference on a high. 

Meanwhile, PLDT was unable to sustain a hot start after dominating the opening set and missed another podium. 

Earlier, the High Speed Hitters wore a black warm-up kits with the text “PUSONG PLDT” written across their shirts. 

PLDT will skip the season-ending PVL Invitationals, citing in injuries to their players. Cignal, meanwhile, will face the Farm Fresh Foxies in their opening game of the season-ending tournament on Friday, September 6 at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex. 

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