The Cignal HD Spikers outlast erstwhile champions Kurashiki Ablaze to advance to the Finals of the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference.
An awesome return to form.
The Cignal HD Spikers will make their second PVL Finals appearance, dethroning Japan's Kurashiki Ablaze as Invitational Conference champions in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, September 11.
Down 7-9 in the fifth set, Cignal managed to score three straight points to take the lead at 10-9 behind the efforts of Ces Molina and import MJ Perez.
After the Ablaze tied the game at 10-all, middle blocker Jackie Acuña connected on a running attack before Perez scored back-to-back hits for a three-point lead at 13-10.
Kurashi would pull one back courtesy of a crosscourt kill by outside hitter Yukino Yano, but the Venezuelan import immediately countered with a drop ball to lead Cignal to match point.
The HD Spikers then sealed their first Finals berth since the 2022 Reinforced Conference after Yano’s attack sailed wide for the Ablaze.
Perez fired 36 big points on 34 attacks and two blocks with 21 excellent receptions. Molina contributed 13 markers, while Acuña and fellow middle blocker Riri Meneses had 10 each.
Dawn Macandili-Catindig, in her second game back for Cignal after Alas Pilipinas duties, had 27 excellent digs. Gel Cayuna had 22 excellent sets and 13 excellent digs for the HD Spikers.
Middle blocker Cing Low Mei paced Kurashiki with 24 markers, while Saki Tanade had 19 in the loss.
With the win, the HD Spikers set up a rematch against the Grand Slam-seeking Creamline Cool Smashers tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Ablaze, on the other hand, will face fellow guest team Est Cola of Thailand in the battle for bronze at 4:00 p.m.