Cignal wasted no time reminding the Premier Volleyball League that chemistry remains a competitive edge no overhaul can immediately replace. The Super Spikers opened the season-ending conference with a convincing 25-17, 25-14, 25-11 sweep of Galeries Tower on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

Built around a familiar core, Cignal played with composure and precision from the opening serve. Against a Highrisers squad still piecing together a new identity, the Super Spikers’ continuity and collective maturity proved overwhelming in the one-hour, 12-minute contest.

Anchored by Tin Tiamzon, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, Cignal delivered a response after modest results in the PVL On Tour and Reinforced Conference. The team’s lone roster addition barely disrupted its rhythm, allowing systems and trust developed over years to remain intact.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, entered the conference with optimism following a sweeping offseason overhaul that brought in 13 new players and a fresh coaching staff. That enthusiasm was tested immediately by a seasoned opponent that capitalized on every defensive lapse and timing error.

Speed and cohesion fuel Cignal’s statement win

From the outset, Cignal dictated tempo with newly sharpened speed and crisp ball movement. The Super Spikers repeatedly found open lanes, controlled long rallies, and exposed a Highrisers side still searching for synchronization on both ends of the floor.

Tiamzon led the charge with 18 points highlighted by six aces, along with five excellent receptions, earning the first Player of the Game honors of the conference. She credited the team’s growth to shared adversity and preparation, particularly their recent training camp in Japan that emphasized pace and adaptability.

Gandler and Santos added 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Jackie Acuña chipped in six points, including two blocks. Cignal dominated statistically, outscoring Galeries Tower 46-24 in attacks, 6-2 in blocks, and 8-0 in service aces.

Highrisers show fight amid growing pains

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Galeries Tower flashed resilience in spurts. The Highrisers clawed back from early deficits in the first two sets, briefly closing within a point before Cignal regrouped and pulled away with decisive runs.

Jin Deloria paced Galeries Tower with 10 points, while veteran Aiza Pontillas was limited by Cignal’s disciplined net defense. As the match progressed, the gap between a cohesive contender and a rebuilding side became increasingly evident.

The result underscored Cignal’s readiness as a title threat while offering a glimpse of Galeries Tower’s long-term potential. With time and shared experience, the Highrisers’ revamped roster could still translate promise into sustained performance.