Cignal secured its entry to the PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round after sweeping Capital1, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20, in a one-hour, 26-minute battle at the FilOil Playtime Centre. The Super Spikers joined sister team PLDT in the next phase, ending the match with a 6-2 record while Capital1 fell to 3-5, missing a chance at the Top Four.

Despite the straight-set outcome, the contest was highly competitive, as Capital1 pushed Cignal in long rallies that tested the Super Spikers’ depth and composure. Bella Belen, the league’s top scorer, was held to 16 points, ending her streak of 20-point-plus games in the first seven matches.

Cignal leaned on multiple offensive weapons to gain an edge. Vanie Gandler led the way with 23 points and eight receptions, delivering key backrow hits and scoring bursts that swung momentum in Cignal’s favor. Erika Santos added 13 points, while Jackie Acuña contributed eight, including three blocks. Roselyn Aquino and Ishie Lalongisip chipped in six and five points, respectively, helping Cignal dominate in attacks, 47-38, and blocks, 9-2.

Capital1 relied heavily on Belen to anchor its offense, supported by Sydney Niegos with 10 points, France Ronquillo with five, and Shaya Adorador’s four points in a third-set appearance. The Solar Spikers matched Cignal hit-for-hit and block-for-block, generating extended rallies that kept the match competitive but struggled to sustain their effort in the closing stages.

Super Spikers assert control in critical moments

Cignal edged Capital1 in a tight first set before gradually asserting control through speed, offensive variety, and cohesion. In the second set, the Super Spikers broke a 12-all tie with a three-point surge and extended the lead to 18-14 on a Gandler backrow attack, finishing a long rally that capped the momentum swing. Gandler scored 10 points in the second frame alone, delivering three consecutive hits to push Cignal to set point at 24-19.

Setter Gel Cayuna distributed effectively across a deep rotation of attackers, finishing with 13 excellent sets, outshining Jasmine Nabor, who recorded seven for Capital1. Cignal’s combination of depth, experience, and composure proved decisive, allowing them to seal the match despite the Solar Spikers’ spirited fight.