Cignal, Benilde overcome slow starts to deny foes in PNVF Champions League

The Cignal HD Spikers needed to shrug off a first set hiccup before completing a four-set stunner against Petro Gazz, 16-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, to remain unbeaten in the PNVF Champions League on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Vanie Gandler was consistent all throughout the game, but came up with the biggest conversions when it mattered most to help the HD Spikers improve to a 2-0 start in the pocket tournament.

The former Ateneo standout broke a 20-all deadlock before Ria Meneses' soft touch in the middle gave the Shaq delos Santos-helmed squad an important 22-20 lead.

Vandler then unleashed another kill as an attack error on Filipino-American Brooke Van Sickle proved costly for the Angels, giving Cignal the match point at 24-20.

Meneses put the finishing kick by rejecting the back row attack from Nicole Tiamzon as Cignal grabbed its second win in as many games following a sweep win against Chery Tiggo on Sunday.

Gandler and Meneses both tallied 18 points. Van Sickle paced Petro Gazz with 21 points.

Meanwhile, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived a grueling five-setter against Philippine Army, 16-25, 25-16, 25-27, 25-14, 15-9, to kick off its campaign.

Three Lady Blazers put together double-digit outings with veteran opposite hitter Gayle Pascual leading the way with 17 points while Wielyn Estoque and Zamantha Nolasco also poured in 17 apiece.

Benilde improved to 1-0 while the Lady Troopers remained winless at 0-2. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News