CIGNAL reached the semifinals of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference after sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-15, 25-21, 25-21, on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Jovelyn Gonzaga scored 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks to send the HD Spikers to another semis appearance in the PVL Invitationals.
READ: PLDT confirms Jovy Prado's ACL injury
Choco Mucho finished group play at 3-2 (win-loss) and was relegated to the classification round where it will face the loser of the match between PLDT and Chery Tiggo.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na na-achieve namin 'yung goal namin one step at a time,” said Gonzaga, who also produced eight excellent digs and four receptions.
Longtime teammate Rachel Anne Daquis backed up Gonzaga by churning out 12 points.
“Gusto kong i-credit si Jovs, yung teammates ko, si coach Shaq, kasi struggling din ako two games before this and sa training. Pero sabi ko nga kay Jovs, maniwala ka, iba na tayo maglaro pagdating sa dikdikan na laban,” said Daquis
After turning back the Flying Titans in the opening two sets, the HD Spikers withstood a challenging third canto, 25-21, to complete the sweep.
Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos said: “Before this game talaga, madami pumapasok sa isip ko. Kasi knockout game, one miss you die kapag talagang nag give-up kami. Pero, mas nanaig sa 'kin yung tiwala ko and gaano kong kiakilala yung players ko.”
Sisi Rondina led Choco Mucho anew with 14 points off 11 attacks and three blocks, while Caitlin Viray and Maddie Madayag also chipped in six markers apiece.
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