CIGNAL frustrated Creamline in a battle of unbeaten teams, 25-21, 26-24, 14-25, 25-22, to clinch a semifinal spot in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Ces Molina's 15-point outing built on 11 attacks and four blocks enabled the HD Spikers to put away their fourth successive win and end the Cool Smashers' 10-game winning streak that dated back from the last conference.
Carlos led all scorers with 21 points while Jema Galanza contributed 13 markers and seven receptions for the multi-titled Creamline side, which slipped to a 2-1 [win-loss] record.
Rachel Daquis added 10 points and 15 receptions, while Glaudine Troncoso had 11 markers off nine attacks and two aces for the HD Spikers, who fought off a set point to take a 2-0 lead over the Cool Smashers.
Creamline led, 18-11, and a Carlos off-speed hit put the Cool Smashers on the hill at 24-21. But a string of errors from Creamline gave the HD Spikers the opportunity to steal the set, 26-24.
The Cool Smashers flexed their championship poise in the third set, drubbing the HD Spikers with 15-6 lead in attacks and five aces to extend the match, 14-25.
The two teams traded leads come the fourth frame, until Gel Cayuna came through with a block, drop ball and an ace to put the HD Spikers at set point before team captain Daquis put away an overpass from Galanza, 25-22.
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