The Cignal HD Spikers proved their resilience in the PVL Play-In tournament, shaking off a tough second set to overpower Capital1, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, on Thursday, March 6, at the Philsports Arena.

After a shocking loss to Galeries Tower in the knockout qualifiers, Cignal found itself in a must-win situation to stay in contention for the quarterfinals. Rising to the occasion, the HD Spikers put on a balanced performance, with Vanie Gandler leading the way with 21 points.

Redemption After a Tough Loss

The match was more than just another win for Cignal—it was a statement. Their unexpected four-set defeat to Galeries Tower forced them into the Play-In stage, and a second straight loss would have put their quarterfinal hopes in serious jeopardy.

Determined to bounce back, Cignal played with renewed urgency. Dawn Catindig, who tallied 18 excellent digs, emphasized the importance of regaining confidence.

“We’re happy that we were able to recover our rhythm, and this is what we’ll carry moving forward,” said Catindig in Filipino.

Cignal’s Depth and Firepower Shine

Despite missing key veterans, Cignal’s younger players stepped up. Roselyn Doria-Aquino delivered an impressive 18-point performance, while Ishie Lalongisip contributed 15 markers, stabilizing the team’s offense alongside Gandler. Jovelyn Fernandez added eight points, including the match-winning hit, while Chamberlaine Cunada and Caroline Santos chipped in valuable contributions.

Cignal’s depth was evident throughout the match, as the team dominated Capital1 in attacks (63-45), blocks (6-2), and aces (6-3). Even with 28 unforced errors, the HD Spikers’ superior firepower and defensive presence were enough to secure the victory.

Capital1’s Second-Set Rally Falls Short

Capital1 put up a strong fight, particularly in the second set when they capitalized on Cignal’s errors to level the match at one set apiece. Trisha Genesis and Leila Cruz led the Solar Spikers with 12 points each, while Des Clemente-De Guzman, Shola Alvarez, and Patty Orendain contributed solid numbers.

However, their momentum was short-lived. Cignal responded with a dominant third set, racing to early leads of 5-1, 16-9, and 23-16 before closing out the frame with a commanding 25-17 finish.

Cignal Closes Strong to Seal the Win

The fourth set saw Capital1 start strong, but Cignal quickly regained control. A crucial off-the-block hit from Gandler put the HD Spikers ahead at 8-6—a lead they never surrendered. They widened the gap to 13-8 before pulling away completely at 20-13.

A 5-2 finishing run sealed the victory, with Fernandez delivering the final blow. With this win, Cignal now sits atop Pool A, matching Chery Tiggo’s strong start in Pool B.

Cignal will look to secure a quarterfinal spot when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday. With their confidence restored and younger players stepping up, the HD Spikers are once again showing their championship pedigree as they push for another deep run in the PVL.