Cignal overcame a rugged start to turn back Petro Gazz, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, June 27.

The HD Spikers recovered from their first-set hiccup before frustrating the All-Filipino finalists Angels for a winning start in Pool B.

The Cignal HD Spikers celebrate a point against the Petro Gazz Angels. (PVL Images)

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Ces Molina showed the way for Cignal with a huge 22-point outing highlighted by 21 attacks and one block.

Three other HD Spikers finished in double digits, with returning Jov Gonzaga and Rose Doria scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively. Marivic Meneses had 11 points.

From being down by a set, Cignal regained control to seize a 2-1 set lead at the end of the third set.

However, Petro Gazz looked poised in equalizing and dragging the match into a sudden death as Cignal trailed early in the fourth set after Remy Palma’s three straight running attacks, 10-6.

The HD Spikers steadily crawled back from the deficit to tie the match at 16-all on Rachel Daquis’ combination play, but the deadlock went on for two more times.

Cignal, though, firmly held a two-point lead until a miscue from the Petro Gazz side sealed the win for the HD Spikers.

“Simple lang naman ‘yong ni-remind ko sa kanila kailangan lang ma-execute ng maayos ‘yong pinaghandaan na laro. I think one a half months na training. Lahat naman ng ginagawa ng Petro Gazz, nakapag-prepare kami. Kailangan lang ilaro ng normal. Medyo nagmamadali kasi kami nung una eh,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.

Soltones and Jonah Sabete conspired for 42 points which went for naught as the Angels dropped their first assignment.