Cignal turns back Choco Mucho, makes it 2-0 in PVL

Cignal woke up from a two-set slumber and turned back Choco Mucho, 24-26, 19-25, 25-16, 25-21, 15-11, Thursday to gain the early solo lead in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Given up for the dead, the HD Spikers rose to the occasion and showed incredible poise in the crunch to take the next three sets for a 2-0 win-loss mark.

Ces Molina starred for Cignal with 17 points banked on 15 kills, while Glaudine Troncoso made her presence felt with 13 points off 12 attacks.

Trailing 6-5 in the fifth set, Troncoso ignited a 4-0 run to take the crucial 9-6 lead that immediately set the tone in the pivotal stretch.

Kat Tolentino and Isa Molde tried to regain Choco Mucho’s rhythm but fell short.

Ria Meneses also stepped up for the HD Spikers with 12 points highlighted by two blocks, while Roselyn Doria and skipper Rachel Anne Daquis added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

While Choco Mucho outplayed Cignal in attacks, 63-56, it made up for defense as the HD Spikers managed 11 blocks including four from Gel Cayuna.

Cignal’s win overshadowed the efforts of Tolentino for Choco Mucho, who exploded for 31 points built on 25 kills, four blocks and two aces.

The Flying Titans evened their win-loss mark at 1-1.