The Cignal Super Spikers barged into their first finals appearance in franchise history with a 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16 victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals on April 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tied at 1-1, the Super Spikers managed to hold off the Cool Smashers in the next two sets to become the first team to qualify for the championship game.
Vanie Gandler led the charge for the Cignal squad, registering 24 points, 10 digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
It was an exchange of lopsided set wins, with the Super Spikers taking the first and third sets while Creamline claimed the second, before Cignal executed a different script in the fourth frame.
Determined to avoid a repeat of their second-set collapse, the Super Spikers established a quick 16-10 lead, capitalizing on a series of unforced errors by the Cool Smashers and Rose Doria's strong net defense.
The Shaq Delos Santos-led roster continued its dominance as Tin Tiamzon delivered a quick hit for a 20-14 Cignal lead.
Allysa Valdez and the Cool Smashers tried to keep themselves in the game, but Gandler scored a cross-court kill that put the Super Spikers at match point, followed by her block on Tots Carlos that sealed the deal.
Erika Santos and Tiamzon also contributed to the win, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Carlos, meanwhile, spearheaded Creamline with 18 points, followed by Jema Galanza with 15 and Valdez with 11.
Cignal will next face the PLDT High Speed Hitters for a non-bearing final qualification match on Thursday, April 16, at the Filoil Centre in San Juan, while the Cool Smashers will battle the Farm Fresh Foxies for the last spot in the finals.
Written by Rex Neil Falogme, Insight PH
Rex Neil Falogme, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
