In a showdown against a resilient and youthful opponent, Cignal exhibited its prowess, offering a glimpse into its potential for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League season. The HD Spikers successfully navigated through their four Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League elimination matches, entering the semifinals with both high morale and crucial lessons for the pivotal tournament ahead.
Coach Shaq delos Santos expressed gratitude for their survival, especially in the intense final game against the College of St. Benilde, where Cignal emerged victorious with a 3-2 set score (18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 15-13) at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the demanding four-day schedule, Delos Santos commended the team’s resilience and fighting spirit, securing both the victory and the solo top spot. Despite the wearisome journey, he acknowledged the significance of their achievement.
The HD Spikers were pushed to their limits by Benilde, but Delos Santos perceived it as a positive sign, highlighting their capability to face formidable opponents. Looking forward to the semifinals, he emphasized the need for harder work and enjoyment of the recent triumph.
Anticipating a potential rematch with Benilde, Delos Santos emphasized the importance of learning lessons from the elimination matches and putting their best effort into the upcoming semifinals. Cignal will face the fourth-seeded team in the semifinals on Friday.
The tandem of Ces Molina and Vanie Gandler played a pivotal role in Cignal’s strong finish. Molina, the HD Spikers’ captain, contributed 19 points with 15 successful attacks, while Gandler, a young spiker, secured 12 points primarily through kills.
Delos Santos stressed the need for team focus, addressing weaknesses, and recovery strategies after playing four consecutive games in as many days. Acknowledging the team’s maturity, he emphasized the constructive nature of the experience, expressing a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
