Cignal's Katrin Trebichavska in action. PVL Media Bureau
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Cignal toppled defending champion Creamline in an epic five-set battle, 25-18, 20-25, 22-25, 25-16, 15-11, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center here.
The Katrin Trebichavska-led Super Spikers never wavered, and even tore down a 21-11 Creamline lead in Set 3 and went within striking distance at 24-22, only to fall short. That fightback gave them the momentum they needed, however, and Cignal made quick work of the Cool Smashers in the fourth set to force a decider.
Shaq delos Santos' wards owned Set 5, never letting the Cool Smashers take the lead thanks in large part to their import, who powered Cignal's 9-4 cushion with three straight points built on two service aces and an attack.
Just as Creamline closed within two, 11-9, after a Gel Cayuna service error, Rose Vargas committed a costly one on the other side, followed by a Trebichavska off-the-block hit that put Cignal up, 13-9.
Jackie Acuna stepped up to the occasion with a hit, putting the team at match point, 14-10, as Michele Gumabao kept Creamline alive with an off-the-block kill.
READ: PVL: Zus Coffee heads to QF with newfound confidence after sweeping Nxled
Trebichavska was there for the winning point, gifting Cignal a victorious end to their two-round preliminaries—at the expense of their potential matchup in the quarterfinals.
With the win, the Super Spikers have earned the fifth spot in the standings with a 5-3 record (13 points), just behind the Cool Smashers, who are also at 5-3, but have 17 points.
READ: PVL: Cignal deals Zus Coffee's first loss, improves quarterfinals bid
Trebichavska led Cignal scoring with 20 points on 15 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces to go with nine excellent receptions, while Vanie Gandler paced the locals' offense with 15 attack points.
Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuna delivered 12 and 10, respectively; Cayuna made the right passes with 28 excellent sets, and Dawn Catindig led the stoppage of Creamline attacks with 28 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Creamline reinforcement Coco Schwan lacked the support from the Filipinos in that five-set classic.
The American spiker had 25 points on 23 attacks, but no Creamline local breached double-digit scoring, as Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos chipped in nine points.