By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cignal overcame a third-set hiccup to turn back Petro Gazz, 25-15, 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, on Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Vanie Gandler took the spotlight by unleashing 23 points built on 19 kills, three blocks and one ace for the HD Spikers, who stretched their winning run to four games and hiked their win-loss tally to 5-2.
Skipper Ces Molina also shone, unloading 15 attacks to finish with 17 points as the victory also untangled Cignal from a tie with Petro Gazz.
The Angels slipped to their third loss in seven games despite the offensive assault from Grethcel Soltones, Jonah Sabete and Remy Palma in the third.
Soltones finished with 16 points, while Sabete and Palma had 11 points apiece, but their efforts were not enough to stop Gandler and the HD Spikers.
Cignal was also solid defensively by posting 12 blocks – three each from Gandler and Riri Meneses although Petro Gazz outgunned them with 59-50.
The HD Spikers also turned to their smart serves, firing six aces including three from Gel Cayuna.
Cayuna orchestrated a variety of plays to finish with 14 excellent sets apart from scoring nine points.