The Cignal Super Spikers stormed into their first-ever Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals with authority, overpowering defending powerhouse Creamline in a decisive four-set victory on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Cignal delivered a statement performance, combining a crucial Set 3 comeback with a dominant fourth-set finish to defeat the Cool Smashers, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, and secure a 2-0 semifinal record that guaranteed their place in the championship round.
The win capped a breakthrough campaign for the Super Spikers, who earlier dispatched Farm Fresh and followed it up by toppling Creamline to clinch the first Finals berth of the conference.
![Vanie Gandler leads Cignal with a triple-double performance. [PVL Images]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PVL-AFC-26-Semis-Creamline-vs.-Cignal-Vanie-Gandler-9587.jpg)
Gandler leads Cignal’s breakout Finals run
Vanie Gandler anchored Cignal’s charge with a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 24 points while also contributing 10 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a complete triple-double effort.
Gandler’s aggressive scoring in the fourth set set the tone for Cignal’s separation run, as the Super Spikers turned a tight contest into a commanding finish. Her consistency on both offense and defense helped stabilize the team during Creamline’s brief momentum shifts.
Setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with precision, dictating tempo and consistently putting hitters in optimal attacking positions. Her decision-making in the pivotal stretches helped Cignal maintain control even as Creamline attempted to rally.
Erika Santos added 14 points, while Tin Tiamzon contributed 13 markers. Roselyn Aquino chipped in 10, as Cignal’s balanced attack overwhelmed Creamline’s defense late in the match.
Creamline falters as Cignal closes the door
Creamline briefly responded in the second set after dominating 25-13, but struggled to sustain momentum as Cignal tightened its defense and controlled the pace of the match.
Bernadette Pons led Creamline with 17 points, while Jema Galanza added 10. However, the rest of the Cool Smashers were held in check, with Tots Carlos finishing with eight points and Bea de Leon adding six.
Alyssa Valdez was limited to a single point in a brief appearance, underscoring Creamline’s difficulties against Cignal’s pressure system.
Cignal pulled away in the fourth set, breaking the game open with a decisive run that pushed the score to 19-12 before closing out the match with sustained pressure and disciplined execution.
With the victory, Cignal not only secured its first PVL All-Filipino Finals berth but also reinforced its status as a rising contender capable of toppling established champions.