Cignal, PLDT advance to PVL semifinals after quarterfinal sweeps

Mark Aaron Balbin

The Cignal HD Spikers and the PLDT High Speed Hitters booked their spots in the PVL on Tour semifinals after posting straight-set victories in the quarterfinals at Philsports Arena, August 7.

Cignal opened the day with a dominant straight-sets win over the Akari Chargers, 25-20, 25-11, 28-26.

Erika Santos spearheaded the HD Spikers with 24 points, helping her team take full control of the first two sets. 

Cignal’s solid net defense and consistent attacks left Akari struggling to catch up.

Even so, the Chargers showed more fight in the third, with Gretchen Soltones leading a late rally that briefly put them ahead at 27–26.

But Cignal stayed composed, shutting down the comeback attempt to seal the sweep.

Following suit, PLDT slammed the semi-final door shut and mirrored the dominance from the previous, sweeping ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25–16, 25–19, 25–21.

Savi Davison orchestrated a balanced offense, bagging 28 points, to help the team with the victory.

For what seemed to be too late, ZUS showed flashes of aggression late in the third set. PLDT’s consistent serve-receive and quick coverage kept them in control throughout.

As the semifinal picture becomes halfway through, PLDT is set to take on the winner of the Creamline vs. Farm Fresh knockout match, scheduled on Tuesday,  at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

At the same time, Cignal will now wait for the matchup between the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers and the Nxled Chameleons, who will complete the final four.