CIGNAL battled back from a set down to jam Akari, 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18, in its 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference opener on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Riri Meneses showed the way for the HD Spikers in a gutsy comeback with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks.
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"Sa short months na I’ve been playing with the team, nandun din kasi ‘yung guidance, especially si Ate Jov (Gonzaga). Ngayon ko lang nakalaro si Ate Jov with Cignal, so sobrang laking tulong din kasi siya ‘yung nag-cocollate sa team kapag medyo scattered na.
"Sobrang laking tulong talaga na may senior na gumagabay sa team," said Dawn Macandili-Catindig, who posted 22 digs and 11 receptions in her PVL debut with the HD Spikers.
Cignal's sophomore ace Vanie Gandler bucked her side's slow start and topscored with 19 points on 17 attacks, one block, and one ace.
But the scoring load wasn't carried by Gandler alone as Cignal vets Ces Molina and Roselyn Doria chipped 16 markers apiece to make up for their 22 unforced errors.
Meanwhile, another pair of PVL mainstays in Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo were dealt a debut defeat in their first outing with Akari.
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