Cignal survives gallant Army for breakthrough semis win

Cignal survived a gallant stand staged by Army after a 26-24, 26-28, 25-18, 18-25, 16-14 victory to book its breakthrough win in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Centre in Antipolo City.

Cignal improved to 1-1 after opening its semis campaign with a loss to PLDT last Thursday while Army sank to a 0-3 hole to bow out of contention.

After a tight contest in the first two sets, the HD Spikers pulled away in the third frame as after a tied ball game at 17 apiece, the wards of head coach Shaw Delos Santos ignited for six straight points for a 23-17 spread.

Gel Cayuna then had a long service as the Lady Troopers inched by a point before back-to-back attack errors from their side ultimately capped off the set for Cignal, 25-18.

But Army retaliated with a convincing 25-18 win in the fourth set to drag Cignal to a deciding fifth set.

Veteran Rachel Anne Daquis showed her vintage form in the clutch, delivering six points early as they took a much-needed 11-9 cushion en route to a close 16-14 victory.

Middle blocker Ria Meneses delivered 23 points built in 21 attacks and two blocks while Ces Molina and Daquis registered 16 and 15 markers respectively. – RC, GMA News