Cignal HD completed a sweep of the elimination round with a hard-earned 18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 15-13 win over College of Saint Benilde in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League women’s tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The HD Spikers had a fierce and excitimg encounter with the Lady Blazers as their back were pushed against the wall but kept their composure in the fifth and deciding set to nail their fourth straight win after two hours and 19 minutes.
“Saint Benilde’s energy was so unbelievable, and their attacking and floor defense were absolutely great and smart so you can’t relax against them,” Cignal HD coach Shaq Delos Santos said. “We respect them so much that’s why we really need to focus.”
Former national player Ces Molina, who tallied 15 kills, three service aces and a block for 19 points, delivered four crucial points that gave Cignal a 14-11 lead in the fifth set before Saint Benilde came within 13-14.
But a bad serve by the Lady Blazers ended their run and allowed the HD Spikers to escape.
Former Ateneo de Manila University standout Vanie Gandler provided 12 points on top of 11 kills and a serve, while Riri Meneses and Jacqueline Acuña added eight points each for Cignal.
The Lady Blazers outsmarted the HD Spikers in the opening set with their big serves, but the crew of De Los Santos was able to make the necessary adjustments to bounce back in the following sets.
Corrine Apostol and Clydel Catarig led Saint Benilde with 13 and 10 points, respectively. The Lady Blazers dropped to 1-2 win-loss record.
