The Cignal Super Spikers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Cignal's bid for a playoff spot just got a boost as it trampled Akari, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
When the dust settled, Cignal and Akari are now tied at the standings at 3-3.
It's a glimpse of hope for the Super Spikers as they seek at least an eight-place finish to advance to the quarterfinals.
This was a much-needed victory as they are set to face league-leader Zus Coffee and Creamline which won earlier in the day.
"Siyempre, una, sobrang happy. 'Yun talaga 'yung target — kailangan manalo talaga. 'Guro nagbunga lang nang maganda 'yung lahat ng effort, and then pinaghirapan din namin sa training," said coach Shaq delos Santos during the postgame press conference.
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In Set 4, sitting on a 2-1 lead, the Super Spikers shut down any Akari attempt to force a fifth set, as Slovak outside spiker Katrin Trebichavska came through with two straight backrow hits for a 23-19 cushion, just when the Chargers came within two at the 21-19 count.
Akari reinforcement Annie Mitchem injected life to their side with an off-the-block kill, but Ishie Lalongisip and Jackie Acuna found the hits to put away the Chargers.
"We all wanted to win. We all knew we can. And there was never hesitation to be talked about or even felt," said Trebichavska, who poured in 25 points on 22 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to lead all scorers, to go with nine excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
On Tour MVP Erika Santos followed suit with 19 points, Rose Doria-Aquino chipped in 12 points, and Lalongisip made her presence felt with 11 markers and 10 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, the Chargers have lost two games in a row, but still have superior points output over Cignal, despite having the same 3-3 win-loss card.
Mitchem exploded for 22 points, while Fifi Sharma showed up with 13 points.