It was Cignal’s balanced scoring that helped them roll past Choco Mucho, 25-15, 25-21, 25-21, to secure the last semifinal berth in Pool B in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Tuesday, July 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The HD Spikers finished 4-1 in the standings to join Pool B contender F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the next round, which punched the first ticket earlier.

Cignal books the last semis spot in Pool B with sweep of Choco Mucho. (PVL Images)

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Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis led the attack for the HD Spikers with 10 kills each after finishing with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Ces Molina and Rose Doria added 10 points apiece.

Cignal piled up on Choco Mucho in the opening set with a telling 20-6 lead to set the tone of the match.

On the brink of elimination, the Flying Titans crawled back from a 0-8 hole and bridged the gap at 14-13 in the second set. However, Cignal refused the equalizer and took a two sets to none lead.

Tied at 15-all in the third set, Cignal steadily pulled away with a 4-0 run capped by a Sisi Rondina net violation, 19-15.

The Flying Titans exhausted all means once more to extend the match, but it was Rondina's service error that ultimately ended their run, giving the HD Spikers the victory.

For five games in a row, Rondina delivered a team-high 14 points and was the lone bright spot in the losing side.

Choco Mucho wrapped up its mid-year conference with a 3-2 in the Pool B standings.

Meanwhile, Pool A teams Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the PLDT High Speed Hitters battle at press time to determine who completes the semis cast.