Cignal aims for No. 3 seed as Akari strives for consistency in PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round

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The Cignal HD Spikers are looking to solidify their hold on the No. 3 seed as they face Akari in a crucial match in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference today, February 18, at the Philsports Arena. Both teams are in the heart of the qualifying round, but Cignal, with its current 7-3 win-loss record, holds a slight advantage over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans for the No. 3 position.

Cignal’s position is critical as the top six teams will advance to the knockout phase, giving them a psychological edge in the tournament. With 22 points, Cignal has the upper hand over Choco Mucho, which has 17 points. A win today would officially secure their No. 3 seeding, regardless of the outcome of the Choco Mucho vs. Chery Tiggo match on February 22 in Iloilo City.

The Cignal HD Spikers aim to secure their No. 3 seed in the PVL All-Filipino Conference with a crucial win against Akari. [PVL Images]

Despite the departure of two key players, Cignal has proven resilient, coming off back-to-back wins against Capital1 and ZUS Coffee. The team remains formidable, with standout performances from Vanie Gandler, rookie sensation Ishie Lalongisip, Jacqueline Acuña, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, and ace setter Gel Cayuna.

“Going into the last game, our mindset was to secure the win to give us an advantage in the preliminary rankings. We’ve been training hard and will continue working as a team to follow Coach’s plans,” said Lalongisip.

On the other side, Akari (5-5) is tied for sixth place with Chery Tiggo and is eager to regain momentum after a four-set loss to Choco Mucho. Coach Taka Minowa will rely on standout players such as Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Fifi Sharma, and others to push for consistency and a crucial win.

In the second match of the day, Farm Fresh (4-6) will look to end their preliminary campaign with a 5-6 record as they face Capital1 (1-9), who are currently struggling at the bottom of the standings. The Foxies, led by Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray, Aly Bertolano, and Jolina dela Cruz, will be favored in this matchup.

For Capital1, coach Roger Gorayeb will need strong performances from Shola Alvarez, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Trisha Genesis, and others as they look to turn their fortunes around and build confidence for the next phase of the tournament.