IN a rematch of the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series, Cignal had the last laugh again over Chery Tiggo, 28-26, 25-19, 27-25, in the 2024 PNVF Champions League at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
Vanie Gandler picked up from where she left off after a standout pro league debut with 15 points on 11 attacks, three aces, and one block alongside former PVL MVP Ces Molina who pitched in 13 points.
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Tight as the time to prepare might have been, Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos was satisfied with his squad's strong showing.
"Siyempre very thankful and blessed kasi first game, first win and sobrang proud kasi grabe 'yung naging performance nung team kasi alam naman namin na sobrang tight din 'yung naging preparation. But good thing, nagkaroon kami ng magandang performance," said delos Santos.
"I’m very happy, of course, and very tired. But like coach said, the preparation was really short so we really had to get this win."
Gandler added: "There’s definitely still so much to work on. We’re just halfway through our preparations and there’s still so much to learn. But of course, you could see that our team is slowly coming together especially from last conference and hopefully it’s enough coming into the PVL, as well."
The first and final sets ended with key breaks swinging toward the HD Spikers' favor, topped by Gandler's game-clinching service in the third set after fighting back from 23-24 down.
It was a rather experimental approach from Chery Tiggo, with Eya Laure (nine points) also taking on playmaking duties in the absence of Alina Bicar. But a strong 16-point night from Mylene Paat went for naught as they absorbed a tough opening loss.
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