CIGNAL clinched the first semifinals berth at restless Akari’s expense, 25-20, 25-11, 28-26, in the 2025 PVL on Tour quarterfinals on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
It took three match points in the third set to put Cignal away before Akari’s ball in/ball out challenge on Erika Santos’ crosscourt attack was ruled unsuccessful.
It was also a repeat win for Shaq delos Santos’ wards against Akari over a month since their preseason-opening 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 sweep in Vigan City.
"Alam namin na 'yung makakalaban namin, talagang mga beterano, and experienced player din. At the same time kanina knowing Akari, ang lalaki ng players nila, 'yung attacks nila, grabe, then 'yung blocks, hirap na hirap din kami," said delos Santos.
"First two sets, okay naman, kontrolado namin. Pero in-expect din namin talaga na pwede talaga siyang magdikit. Good thing lang 'yung kung paano talaga kami nag-prepare and nag-ready."
Cignal’s eighth PVL semis appearance, its third in the last four conferences, also entails an outright ticket to the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference set in two weeks.
Santos showed the way for the HD Spikers with 24 points on 42 percent efficiency, fresh off her historic 30-piece two weeks ago in Passi City.
Rose Doria-Aquino had 10 points on three blocks from the middle while Tin Tiamzon aided Cignal's defense with six points and 10 receptions.
For the Chargers, while Eli Soyud had a stable 13-point game, Ivy Lacsina was held to just four points and nine receptions in a rare off-game.
Will it be Nxled or Chery Tiggo for Cignal?
Set to challenge Cignal’s bid for a second PVL Finals trip in the last three conferences is the winner of Nxled and Chery Tiggo’s knockout duel on Saturday.
The HD Spikers trounced the Chargers two days since the latter’s knockout-round sweep of reigning All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz to reach the playoffs.
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