Ces Molina powered Cignal past PLDT in straight sets, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21, to open its semifinals bid in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Thursday, July 20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. 

Cignal HD Spikers. (PVL Images)

The HD Spikers are now 1-1 in the standings due to the AVC system which means semifinalists carry over their head to head records from the elimination round against other semifinalists. 

Cignal owed its lone loss to the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, who, likewise, advanced to the next round. 

Strong Most Valuable Player candidate Molina led all scorers with 17 points in the statement sweep highlighted by 16 attacks while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rose Doria added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the balanced effort. 

The HD Spikers were consistent from start until endgame despite the High Speed Hitters’ late fightback in the third set. 

Tied at 20-all, all Cignal needed was a 5-1 finishing kick to come away with the swift victory. 

On the other hand, no High Speed Hitter breached the double-digit mark as they absorbed a 0-2 record, carrying over their defeat to defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers in the first round. 

The Cool Smashers take on the Cargo Movers at press time.