Cignal HD Spikers and PLDT High Speed Hitters aim to bounce back from heartbreaking semifinal losses as the sister teams vie for a bronze medal in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The Cignal HD Spikers and PLDT High Speed Hitters both experienced heartbreak during the semifinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
With both teams coming off tough five-set defeats, the HD Spikers and High Speed Hitters will look to end the conference on a positive note as the sister teams vie for a bronze medal finish.
Has PLDT recovered mentally from the controversy?
The biggest question heading into the bronze medal game will be whether or not PLDT will be in the right headspace, following their controversial defeat to the Akari Chargers.
The High Speed Hitters filed a protest, which has since been rejected, over an unsuccessful net fault challenge during the fifth set, where the call could have given them their first-ever PVL finals appearance.
[ALSO READ: PVL explains controversial unsuccessful challenge by PLDT against Akari in Reinforced Conference semis]
Days after the controversy, PLDT will head back to the taraflex and try to bring a bronze medal home.
Has Cignal also recovered from its painful semis defeat?
The HD Spikers were just a point away from returning to the Reinforced Conference finals.
Leading 24-21 in the fourth set, Cignal squandered its lead, allowing the Creamline Cool Smashers to take the set and later the match.
[ALSO READ: Double career-highs for Erica Staunton and Bernadeth Pons help Creamline complete epic PVL semis comeback vs. Cignal]
This marked another heartbreaking end to the HD Spikers’ title hopes, after looking poised to bring home their first-ever PVL crown all conference long.
Just like PLDT, Cignal will have to bounce back right away, mentally and physically, to salvage a podium finish in the tournament.
What to expect in the bronze medal game?
Cignal and PLDT will definitely look to end their conference on a good note.
After all they’ve gone through this season, a win in their final game of the Reinforced Conference should be useful for the next conference or season.
Expect Ces Molina and MJ Perez to go all out for Cignal as they try to counter Erika Santos and Elena Samoilenko’s charge for PLDT.
At the net, there's sure going to be an umbrella party between top middle blockers Jackie Acuña and Majoy Baron.
Floor defense would also be tested between recently converted libero Judith Abil and veteran Kath Arado.
While cunning will be key between battle-tested setters Gel Cayuna and Kim Fajardo.
Catch the bronze medal game tomorrow, September 4, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The match will be aired at 4 p.m., live on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.