Cignal escapes gallant Benilde for elims sweep of PNVF Champions League

The streaking Cignal survived a pesky De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in a five-set thriller, 18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 15-13, to complete an elimination round sweep of the PNVF Champions League on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Veteran open spiker Ces Molina left it all on the floor as she poured in 19 points anchored on 15 attacks while Vanie Gandler provided a huge lift after churning out 12 markers as the HD Spikers improved to 4-0 ahead of the playoffs.

“Saint Benilde’s energy was so unbelievable, and their attacking and floor defense were absolutely great and smart so you can’t relax against them,” Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos said.

“We respect them so much that’s why we really need to focus.”

Corrine Apostol paced the Lady Blazers with 13 points while Clydel Cataring chipped in 10 markers as they dropped to 1-2 card. 

Meanwhile, Chery Tiggo shrugged off a third set hiccup before cruising to a 25-23, 25-9, 23-25, 25-17, victory against Petro Gazz to bag back-to-back wins. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News