By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cignal bucked a slow start and beat Choco Mucho, 17-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-14, to catch the last semifinal bus in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The HD Spikers banked on a strong third-set performance to finish with a 4-3 card and edge out the Flying Titans for the last semis berth.
Cignal only needed to win the match or lose in five sets to secure the remaining Final Four ticket.
They joined Creamline, Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz in the round-robin semifinal starting on Thursday, Nov. 24.
Import Tai Bierria paced the HD Spikers with 18 points built on 14 kills and four blocks, while Ces Molina poured 12 attacks and one ace to finish with 13 points.
Facing a must-win situation in the third set, Choco Mucho came back to life and cut Cignal’s imposing 13-6 edge by firing five straight points to close in at 13-11.
But the HD Spikers refused to be intimidated as Bierria and Molina attacked the Flying Titans’ defense to keep them at bay.
It didn’t help that key players Kat Tolentino and Des Cheng hurt their knee and pinky finger, respectively, and were pulled out.
Cignal also relied on its rock-solid net defense after posting 14 blocks including five from Roselyn Doria against eight from Choco Mucho.
Choco Mucho finished its campaign with a 3-5 to tie with Akari despite the efforts of Cheng and Tolentino, who led with 15 and nine points.
