MANILA, Philippines – The Cignal HD Spikers returned to the PVL title round after two years, stunning Invitational Conference champion Kurashiki Ablaze in five tight sets, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11, on Wednesday, September 11, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Import MJ Perez powered her way to 36 points built on 34 attacks, on top of 21 excellent receptions, to lead the HD Spikers.
Libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, who just played her second Cignal game since returning from national team duty with Alas Pilipinas, posted 27 excellent digs.
“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 after the game.
“I’m motivated because I really wanted to get this chance to play the final. Our team deserves this,” she added.
“It’s a huge opportunity now that we have a second chance to face Creamline. We are excited for tomorrow, of course. It has been hard but we are here and we worked hard to be here so we will fight for it.”
Cignal — which last made the PVL finals in the 2022 Reinforced Conference — has a chance to deny the Creamline Cool Smashers’ bid to become the league’s first-ever Grand Slam winner.
In their last finals appearance, the HD Spikers lost a three-game series against the Petro Gazz Angels, 2-0.
But Catindig and Perez are no strangers when it comes to winning championships together as the two were part of the 2017 Grand Prix title-winning F2 Logistics Cargo Movers squad in the defunct PSL.
“I feel so confident when I’m with Dawn in the court,” said Perez. “Back when we won the championship [with F2 Logistics], it was a great experience. Of course, now, we’ll combine all the powers.”
“Very excited for this opportunity to play a final again,” she added
Cing Low Mei scored a team-high 24, while Saki Tanabe chipped in 19 markers for Kurashiki, which will face fellow guest team Est Cola of Thailand for the bronze medal at 4 pm at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Cignal and Creamline clash for the crown in the 6 pm do-or-die finale. – Rappler.com