The PVL semis cast is now complete!
The Cignal HD Spikers are through to the semifinals of the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference after making quick work of the Gerflor Defenders, 25-22, 25-11, 25-10, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
After a rather close first set, the HD Spikers made sure to stamp their class right against the Defenders to close the second and third sets emphatically.
Ces Molina and Vanie Gandler led the way for Cignal with 9 and 8 points, respectively.
With the win, the HD Spikers secured the third seed in the standings, which means they will go up against the second seed in the tournament—the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
“I think eto ‘yung time na dapat hindi kami maging complacent kasi going to semis, magiging mabigat ‘yung mga games namin,” Molina said during the postmatch press conference.
“Of course, we’re very happy, but the job’s not over, so now we have to recover and practice for the upcoming games,” Gandler added.
The two Cignal stars also bared what the team plans to focus on ahead of the semis, especially with the red-hot Flying Titans immediately on the horizon.
“Magfo-focus kami sa strength namin dahil 'yun 'yung nawala sa 'min dito sa eliminations nung nakalaban namin 'yung mga nakatalo sa 'min na nasa semis din. Magfo-focus kami sa sarili namin and sa team,” said Molina.
Incidentally, Choco Mucho is one of those teams.
“I think what we’re gonna focus on the most is our teamwork. The strength of the team is one another,” said Gandler. “We’re just gonna work as one, and hopefully, we’re gonna make it.”
The best-of-three semifinal series between Cignal and Choco Mucho starts on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)