Cignal Super Spikers secured a PVL semifinals berth after defeating Creamline Cool Smashers in a five-set battle in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, March 26. The Super Spikers took a 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 victory in a match defined by long rallies, shifting momentum, and high-pressure execution in the closing stretch. The win sends Cignal into the Final Four while Creamline drops into the Play-In phase after another five-set defeat.

Cignal opened strong behind Erika Santos, who provided early attacking pressure that helped establish rhythm in the first set. The Super Spikers combined offensive aggression with defensive stops that limited Creamline’s transition opportunities and created early separation.

Creamline responded in the second and third sets by tightening its net defense and improving finishing through Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez. The Cool Smashers capitalized on Cignal errors to swing momentum and take control heading into the fourth set.

Cignal regains control in fourth set

Cignal regrouped in the fourth set with stronger floor defense and improved reception that stabilized its offensive system. Vanie Gandler delivered key scoring runs while Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with steady distribution under pressure.

The Super Spikers held off Creamline’s late surge to force a deciding fifth set after a tightly contested fourth frame. The set highlighted Cignal’s improved composure in extended rallies and pressure situations.

Fifth set ends in dramatic finish

The fifth set turned into a tense exchange as both teams reached a 15-all deadlock in front of a raucous crowd. Every possession carried playoff stakes as neither side could pull away in the final stretch.

A service error from Pangs Panaga gave Cignal the opening, and Alyssa Valdez’s final attack went long before a challenge confirmed no touch. That sequence sealed the victory and sent Cignal into the semifinals.

Santos led Cignal with 26 points while Gandler added 22. Cayuna finished with 11 points and 35 excellent sets, controlling the tempo throughout the match. Creamline was led by Bernadette Pons with 20 points, Valdez with 18, and support from Carlos and Bea de Leon, but still fell short in another five-set finish.