By NIKOLE JAVIER
Cignal needed just an extra set to keep its semifinal bid alive as it slipped past F2 Logistics, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14, 25-20, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference Saturday night, Nov. 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ces Molina showed the way for the HD Spikers with a 20-point finish while Angeli Araneta added 15 in a convincing all-Filipino performance.
The HD Spikers shrugged off the Cargo Movers’ second-set comeback and turned them back in the next two sets to improve 4-3 in the standings — boosting their chance to the last semifinal seat.
Tied at 14-all, Molina quickly revived her offensive display after hitting it through the block followed by Rose Doria’s ace and Ria Meneses’ quick attack to pull Cignal within five.
Trying to crawl out of the five-point deficit, the Cargo Movers managed to inch closer within two after Ivy Lacsina’s block on Molina, 19-21.
However, the HD Spikers’ consistent offensive production proved to be more reliable when it counted the most as they went on a 4-1 run to close out the contest.
With one less crucial game out of the way, Cignal is heading into its final elimination match against Choco Mucho on Tuesday, Nov. 22 mindful that it cannot afford to lose.
“Well, talagang iyong mindset namin is mag-perform nang mabuti, maayos. Ang laban talaga walang bukas na hihintayin para another chance para lang sabihin namin na kaya pa namin. Ito talaga iyong opportunity na binigay sa amin na kailangan namin ma-grab,” said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
For F2 Logistics’ side, Lindsay Stalzer had another 26-point performance as the lone bright spot.