Set back by a third-set meltdown, Cignal went full throttle in the fourth, unmasking Capital1 with a 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 25-13 victory and extending its winning streak to three in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig yesterday (Saturday).
MJ Perez delivered another impressive performance, spiking her game with powerful hits and flourishing jump serves, culminating in a 23-point showcase, including 20 attacks, as the HD Spikers scuttled the Solar Spikers in one-hour and 58 minutes of another superb all-around game.
However, it wasn’t just her offensive prowess that shone as the talented Venezuelan hitter also excelled defensively, recording 12 excellent digs and 15 receptions. This earned her the best player of the game honors once again, following a 30-point performance in their similar four-set win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles last Tuesday.
With a 3-0 record, Cignal seized the solo lead in Pool B, positioning themselves well for the next pool round. The top three teams will compete against the lower three in Pool A for spots in the quarterfinals.
“We have to keep on working day-by-day and stay focused,” said Perez, who aims to steer the HD Spikers to the championship in the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
Capital1, which previously shocked two-time champion Petro Gazz, fell to 1-2.
“We’re happy to win again. It was a tough game. Capital1 is a fighting team, but we also fought hard and won,” added Perez.
She highlighted her impressive showing with a clever backrow push that halted the Solar Spikers’ late fightback in the second set. Capital1 saved three set points, but after a brief exchange, the HD Spikers set up Perez for a backrow attack.
She changed her approach mid-flight, opting for a push that landed on an unguarded spot at the center of the Solar Spikers’ court.
“It’s all about having a positive mindset. I always keep my mind peaceful and filled with positive thoughts,” she said.
Despite a strong comeback from Capital1 in the third set, where they rallied from a 17-21 deficit to win 25-23, the HD Spikers quickly regained their composure. They took firm control of the match early in the fourth set, racing to double-digit leads and stayed in control the rest of the way.
Marina Tushova outscored Perez with a 28-point game for Capital1, but lacked support from her teammates. Only Des Clemente reached double digits with 10 points, while Leila Cruz and Norielle Ipac struggled, adding six and five points, respectively.
In contrast, Perez received significant support from Ces Molina and Jackie Acuña, who each delivered 12 points. Chin Basas chipped in nine markers, while Riri Meneses, Gel Cayuna and Roselyn Doria combined for 13 points.
Cignal dominated the scoring skills, finishing with 56 spikes, 10 blocks and three aces compared to Capital1’s 50 spikes, six blocks and no aces. The HD Spikers also capitalized on their opponents’ errors, claiming 29 points from mistakes while yielding only 19 points of their own.
“Medyo nag-struggle lang kami nung third set but good thing naka-recover kami knowing din naman our team, kapag gusto nilang bumawi, gagawin nila ang lahat para maipanalo,” said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
Cignal goes for 4-0 on Thursday against Petro Gazz at 1 p.m. while Capital1 clashes with Choco Mucho at 3 p.m.
Games Tuesday
1 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs Galeries Tower
3 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Creamline
5 p.m. – Nxled vs PLDT
