Cignal star Vanie Gandler in action. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) – Cignal is the second semifinalist of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Down one set, the Super Spikers returned from the brink to notch a 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 victory over Creamline to march on to the next phase of the tournament on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
"Nakahinga rin nang [maluwag] kasi grabe talaga rin ‘yung natutunan namin last game. Grabe rin ‘yung ensayo namin, ‘yung preparation namin, talagang all out din aralin ‘yung Creamline para mapanalo namin ‘yung game ngayon," said playmaker Gel Cayuna as the team avenged its loss to the 10-time league champions last time around.
The match went way beyond, going to an extended fifth set just to settle the match.
After falling behind by 12-14, with Cignal reaching match point after a sharp spike from Vanie Gandler, Creamline clawed its way back, thanks to Tots Carlos' through-the-block hit and a successful block touch challenge from the coaching staff -- midway through the rally -- to knot the count at 14-apiece.
Ateneo products Gandler and Alyssa Valdez exchanged hits that made it a 15-all game, but what ultimately made the difference was the Creamline faults late in the game.
Pangs Panaga committed a costly service error that gave the Super Spikers match point advantage once again, and Valdez's attack went long later on, marking the thrilling finish to an exciting match that lasted almost three hours.
Erika Santos led the pack with 26 points, including her team's first three hits in the decider. Gandler, who was pivotal in the clutch, concluded with 22 points.
Allowing the offense to shine was Cayuna, after her stellar outing of 35 excellent sets while contributing to the hits as well with 11 points.
Meanwhile, this is not the end of the road for Creamline, which still has a chance for a semifinal spot against either Akari or sister team Choco Mucho.
Bernadeth Pons, who returned for the Cool Smashers after missing matches, totaled 20 points, while Valdez continued to turn back the hands of time, garnering 18 points, 19 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions.
RELATED VIDEO: