Playing all-Filipino without its top local, Cignal pulled off the biggest upset in the tournament after stopping PLDT’s longstanding streak on Tuesday night in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
After parting ways with Greek Eva Chantava and missing star hitter Vanie Gandler due to an undisclosed injury, the Super Spikers turned to PVL on Tour MVP Erika Santos and Ishie Lalongisip to sweep the High Speed Hitters, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21.
Santos delivered 17 points all from attacks, including a personal 4-0 run for a 23-20 lead in the third before Tin Tiamzon’s kill and Heather Guino-o’s ace clinched Cignal’s first win in three outings in Pool A.
Lalongisip had 15 points, 11 excellent receptions, and eight digs to snap PLDT’s 15-game winning run dating back to their two consecutive titles in the PVL on Tour and Invitational.
‘It’s really nice to see them step up. I’m sure they’ve missed playing like that for a long time, especially going up against PLDT. I’m super proud and happy for them,’ said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos in Filipino.
Setter Gel Cayuna dished out 20 excellent sets that went with six points. Tiamzon chipped in nine points, while Rose Doria-Aquino added eight. Libero Dawn Catindig protected the floor with 18 digs and eight receptions.
PLDT slid to a 2-1 record with Savi Davison and Russian Anastasiia Bavykina leading the charge with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Cignal seeks to keep its momentum going against winless Nxled on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban, while PLDT takes on the unbeaten Farm Fresh on the same day.
The Super Spikers are still waiting for new import Katrin Trebichavska’s clearance to play.