Cignal continued its knack for toppling unbeaten foes, shocking ZUS Coffee, 25-12, 26-24, 25-23, to solidify its PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinal bid on Thursday, November 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Super Spikers displayed remarkable composure and teamwork, led by Erika Santos’ 19-point explosion built on 13 attacks, three aces, and three blocks — including the game-clinching rejection on Chinnie Arroyo that sealed the one-hour, 21-minute sweep.

Santos anchors Cignal’s rise

Santos credited Cignal’s steady mindset and discipline in training as key to their turnaround, saying they entered the match with renewed urgency as the eliminations neared their close. Her late heroics in the third set highlighted how far the team has come in handling pressure.

Head coach Shaq delos Santos praised his players’ perseverance and focus, stressing the importance of trusting the process. The Cignal mentor lauded their poise and execution, noting how the group’s growing chemistry is finally translating into results.

Import Anna DeBeer led ZUS Coffee with 26 points but got little help from her teammates. Despite her best efforts, Cignal’s defense shut down the Thunderbelles’ rhythm, with nine kill blocks to just one from their opponents.

Locals, defense fuel Cignal’s breakthrough

Vanie Gandler delivered timely hits in the third set, while Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña contributed six points apiece. Setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, adding six points and seven digs to complete another all-around effort alongside libero Dawn Catindig’s 16 digs.

The Super Spikers’ sharp serving also exposed ZUS Coffee’s fragile reception, producing seven aces and forcing several errors. Their strong start in the first set and resilience in the tight second frame set the tone for the sweep.

Cignal, now holding a 4-3 record, recorded its second straight upset of an unbeaten opponent after ending PLDT’s 15-game winning streak in October. With back-to-back victories over Akari and ZUS Coffee, the Super Spikers have emerged as dark-horse contenders heading into the knockout phase.

Next up for Cignal is powerhouse Creamline on Tuesday — a pivotal match that could determine its playoff fate.

Meanwhile, ZUS Coffee slipped to 6-1, its vulnerabilities exposed as local support waned behind DeBeer’s solo effort. Thea Gagate scored five points, while AC Miner and Arroyo combined for only six, as the Thunderbelles struggled to recover from Cignal’s relentless attacks.