By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Cignal HD Spikers aren’t done asserting their dominance and just snapped the Creamline Cool Smashers’ 10-game winning streak during their tightly-contested duel in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
Cignal pulled off a momentum-clinching four-set win against the defending champions, 25-21, 26-24, 14-25, 25-22, and are already assured of a semifinal spot after finishing the round with an impressive 4-0 record.
The HD Spikers were all pumped up heading into the matchup and were seeking to protect its untainted streak in the ongoing Invitational Conference.
Cignal immediately drew first blood and banked on their efficient spiking after veteran hitter Ces Molina got into her groove.
Molina’s clever points helped the HD Spikers establish their pace and were in full control of the match midway in the second set but the duo of Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez countered with their own run that turned the match into a dogfight.
However, former national team staple Rachel Anne Daquis showed out in the most perfect time and converted on several crucial hits to help her team go up with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The Cool Smashers threatened to generate a come-from-behind victory after a sensational third-set win but the HD Spikers were locked-in and outdueled the defending champions in the fourth and final set.
Down 15-19, the HD Spikers shifted their focus to their blocking department which became a key factor in tying the score at 22-all.
In dire need of a conversion in a nip-and-tuck affair, Gel Cayuna came up big in the next possession and confidently scored a 1-2 play that put the Cignal crowd to their feet.
A costly error from Creamline then rewarded the HD Spikers with a game point sealed by a Daquis power spike.
“Una, siyempre, very thankful kay Lord. Naging safe naman lahat, both teams naman, naging okay naman na natapos. And of course, siyempre, sa panalo namin. Grabe. Siyempre, hindi mo siya pwedeng i-expect, especially ‘yung defending champion ‘yung kalaban mo,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
