Jovelyn Gonzaga and the Cignal HD Spikers fended off the PLDT High Speed Hitters, causing a significant shift in the Final Four race of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Hours after being eliminated from the Final Four race, the Cignal HD Spikers dumped their frustrations on the semis-seeking PLDT High Speed Hitters, 24-26, 26-24, 25-17, 28-26, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Sta.Rosa Sports Complex Saturday.
The HD Spikers recovered from an opening-set hiccup before fending off the tough challenge of the High Speed Hitters in the succeeding frames to end their two-game losing skid.
The morale-boosting victory elevated Cignal’s record to 6-4 for solo sixth spot, while dragging PLDT down to 7-3 at fifth place.
The HD Spikers bid their semis hopes farewell earlier in the day, as both the Petro Gazz Angels and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers secured their eighth victories, resulting in identical 8-2 records for four teams including the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and Creamline Cool Smashers.
Still, Cignal affected the tight Final Four race with the win, as PLDT’s loss punched the semis tickets of Petro Gazz (25 points), Choco Mucho (24 points), and Creamline (24 points). Should the High Speed Hitters win their last assignment, their max points would be 23, setting up a jostle for the last semis seat against the Crossovers (23 points).
Engaged in a deadlock at 23 in the decisive fourth frame, Savi Davison hammered a down-the-line hit to buoy PLDT at set point, but Chai Troncoso forged a two-to-win situation with a hit of her own.
Both teams then traded blows, leading up to a deadlock at 26. Jovelyn Gonzaga then roofed Shiela Kiseo to push Cignal at match point before Ces Molina nailed the finishing blow.
Gonzaga earned the Player of the Game honors with 16 points built on 11 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Molina and Vanie Gandler provided ample support with 15 and 12 markers, respectively.
Gel Cayuna also made her presence felt with 19 excellent sets, on top of three blocks for six points, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig collected 19 digs and 16 receptions.
PLDT, meanwhile, suffered its second straight defeat, despite the near triple-double effort from Davison.
The Filipina-Canadian stalwart poured 29 points, all coming from attacks, to go along with 18 receptions, and eight digs that went down the drain.
Palomata and Majoy Baron had 15 and 11 markers, respectively, while Kim Fajardo tossed 19 sets in the losing cause.
Kath Arado tallied 22 digs and 16 receptions for the High Speed Hitters, who coughed out 33 errors to Cignal’s 22.
Cignal aims to end its campaign on a positive note when it takes on Capital1 on April 27, Saturday.
PLDT, on the other hand, tries to pump life into its semis bid when it faces defending champion Creamline on April 25, Thursday.
Both matches will be held at the PhilSports Arena.