MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers battled back from two sets down to defeat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 18-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-10, in Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Down 9-10 in the deciding set, the HD Spikers tied the score courtesy of an attack point from Jovelyn Gonzaga before they took a 11-10 advantage courtesy of a connection from Frances Xinia Molina.
The HD Spikers widened the lead further with a drop ball from Marivic Meneses and a service ace by Vanessa Gandler before wrapping up the win with a Choco Mucho error and a block by Molina.
Gonzaga finished with a double-double of 16 attacks and 17 excellent digs to earn the Player of the Game honors for the HD Spikers, which took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
According to the Guimaras-native Gonzaga, their trust on each other and on the system of Cignal head coach Ceseal delos Santos has propelled them from a come-from-behind win.
“Siguro ‘yung tiwala na binigay sa amin ng coaching staff and ‘yung pukpok namin sa training and ‘yung reminders sa amin ng coaching staff na mag-stick lang sa game plan and naglaro din kami as one,” Gonzaga said.
“‘Yung being a veteran in this team ‘yun ang kailangan kong panindigan, especially in a very critical and very crucial game like this, kailangan kong mag-step up and no excuses,” she added.
Meanwhile, defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers moved on the cusp of another shot at the PVL All-Filipino Conference crown after a 25-18, 27-25, 25-22 sweep of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in Game 1 of their semis series.
Jessica Galanza came away with 17 points, nine excellent receptions and seven digs to lead the way for the Cool Smashers, while Diana Carlos added 15 points and 12 excellent digs.
Alyssa Valdez, who sat out during the Creamline’s previous game due to rest, finished with 12 points, while Risa Sato and Jeanette Panaga each scored six points for Creamline./PN
