The Cignal HD Spikers delivered a stunning performance against defending champions Kurashiki Ablaze in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference, earning a well-deserved spot in the finals against the formidable Creamline Cool Smashers. This thrilling matchup sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between two of the league's top teams, promising an exciting battle for the championship.
FIERCER SHOWDOWN 💥
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 11, 2024
After an intense battle in the Reinforced Conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers are set to clash once again in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference Finals!#PVL2024 #PVLonOneSports #TheHeartOfVolleyball #OneSports pic.twitter.com/iWwSWxivk0
In a match filled with twists and turns, Cignal displayed exceptional grit and determination to overcome Kurashiki Ablaze, winning the game with set scores of 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, and 15-11. The victory, held at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, September 11, was a must-win for Cignal to advance to the finals. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute their game plan effectively was crucial in outlasting the powerhouse Japanese squad.
CJ Perez was the standout performer for Cignal, leading the team with a career-high 36 points. Her all-around play was a driving force behind the win, as she also contributed 21 excellent digs, showcasing her defensive prowess. Perez's leadership on the court was evident as she continuously rallied her teammates, keeping their spirits high and their focus sharp throughout the intense five-set battle.
Supporting Perez in this monumental effort was libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, whose defensive brilliance provided a solid backbone for the team. Macandili-Catindig recorded 27 digs, frustrating Kurashiki's attackers and giving Cignal the defensive stability needed to mount successful counterattacks. The synergy between Perez and Macandili-Catindig was a key element of Cignal's strategy, with both players drawing on their past experiences of winning championships together.
In addition to the star performances from Perez and Macandili-Catindig, Cignal received valuable contributions from other key players. Ces Molina, Jackie Acuna, and Ria Meneses were instrumental in Cignal's offense, adding 13, 10, and 10 points, respectively. Their ability to find gaps in Kurashiki's defense and execute crucial plays at pivotal moments helped keep Cignal in contention throughout the match.
Molina's versatility as an outside hitter allowed her to make significant plays both at the net and from the back row, keeping the opposing defense on their toes. Acuna's aggressive attacks and Meneses's solid blocking presence added layers of complexity to Cignal's game plan, forcing Kurashiki to constantly adjust and respond.
Following the victory, CJ Perez expressed her elation and the team's collective motivation to succeed. "Of course, we want to win. We are so happy to get this win, especially now that we have Dawn. She brings huge contributions to the team," Perez said in the post-match press conference. "I’m motivated because I really wanted to get this chance to play in the final. Our team deserves this."
Perez also highlighted the comfort and confidence she feels playing alongside Macandili-Catindig, referencing their shared history of success with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. "I feel so confident when I’m with Dawn on the court. Back in time when we won the championship with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, it was a great experience. Of course, now, we will combine all the powers," she added.
With this victory, Cignal now has a golden opportunity to capture their first-ever PVL title. Standing in their way is the formidable Creamline Cool Smashers, a team that has been a constant thorn in Cignal’s side in recent encounters. Creamline has bested Cignal in their last two meetings, including a sweep in the PVL Reinforced Conference and a defeat in the first game of the ongoing Invitational Conference.
Despite these setbacks, Cignal enters the finals with renewed confidence and a belief that they can turn the tables on Creamline. The upcoming finals, set to take place on Thursday, September 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, promise to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams bringing their best game to the court. Cignal will need to draw on their recent experiences, refine their strategies, and maintain their composure under the high-stakes pressure of the championship match.
For Kurashiki Ablaze, the loss to Cignal means they will now compete for the bronze medal against Thailand’s team EST Cola. This match, scheduled to precede the finals, presents an opportunity for Kurashiki to redeem themselves and end their campaign on a high note. Despite falling short of defending their title, Kurashiki’s performance throughout the tournament has showcased their resilience and the high level of competition they bring to the PVL.
As the PVL Invitational Conference reaches its climax, volleyball fans are eagerly anticipating the finals clash between Cignal and Creamline. Both teams have shown remarkable skill, determination, and passion throughout the tournament, and the final match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to an exciting season. For Cignal, the journey to the finals has been marked by perseverance and teamwork, and they are now just one win away from making history.
With the finals just around the corner, the stage is set for an epic showdown that will crown the PVL Invitational Conference champions. Will Cignal seize their moment and capture their first title, or will Creamline continue their dominance? Tune in to find out!
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