PLDT survives third set hiccup to record fifth win vs Cignal

PLDT returned to their winning ways after pulling off a 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory over Cignal in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, January 28.

The High Speed Hitters retaliated fiercely after the HD Spikers won the third set, gaining a 16–6 lead in the fourth set and appearing poised to win the match easily.

The Cignal team, led by Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip’s aggressive performances halfway through the frame, even got within one at 22-21, but Majoy Baron and star spiker Savi Davison’s kills helped the High Speed Hitters regain their rhythm and end the game.

Davison put up her usual output with 24 points along with 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions as PLDT now holds a 5-3 record. 

But the Filipino-Canadian spiker was not a one-woman show as she had great backup support. Her efforts were backstopped by Erika Santos who poured 15 markers, while Baron registered double-digit scoring with 10, and Kiesha Bedonia added seven points off the bench. 

Angge Alcantara orchestrated PLDT’s attacks with 16 excellent sets. 

Kianna Dy, who transferred from the now-defunct F2 Logistics, also made her PLDT debut. Her right knee injury had kept her out of commission since July 2023.

Meanwhile, Cignal dropped to a 5-2 record and solo third place, enduring its first loss since the departure of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses.

Gandler paced the HD Spikers in the losing cause, tallying 22 markers built on 19 spikes, two aces, and a block, while Jacqueline Acuña and Lalongisip contributed 14 and 12, respectively.

PLDT aims to build on this momentum when they face Farm Fresh on Tuesday, February 4, while Cignal will try to bounce back when they go against the defending champion Creamline on Saturday, February 1.