Cignal Overcomes Akari to Open Pool D with Crucial Win
Cignal Super Spikers regained their winning form, defeating the Akari Chargers in four sets, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, to open their Pool D campaign in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
After a tough straight-set loss to Capital1 last week, the Super Spikers found their rhythm again behind the explosive play of Slovakian import Katrin Trebichavska, who powered the team with 25 points built on 22 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. She also contributed nine excellent digs and seven receptions in a complete all-around showing.
Erika Santos, the PVL on Tour MVP, continued her strong conference with 19 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and three aces. The duo provided the much-needed spark for Cignal, which improved its record to 3-3, strengthening its quarterfinal bid.
After Cignal took the first set, Akari responded with a gritty second-frame stand to level the match. However, the Super Spikers quickly regained control in the third, thanks to their solid defense led by team captain Dawn Catindig, who collected 25 excellent digs.
The Chargers tried to rally late in the fourth set, with Camille Victoria firing back-to-back aces that trimmed a 17-21 deficit to just two points, 19-21. But Trebichavska and Ishie Lalongisip stepped up to finish the job for Cignal, sealing the win after nearly two hours of action.
Roselyn Doria-Aquino and Lalongisip provided steady support with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while setter Gel Cayuna dished out 18 excellent sets and added four points.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
For Akari, American import Annie Mitchem led the charge with 22 points on 19 attacks and three kill blocks, alongside 12 excellent receptions. Fifi Sharma followed with 13 points built on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Grethcel Soltones and Justine Jazareno added stability on defense — the latter tallying 16 receptions and 13 digs.
Despite the loss, the Chargers remained within the top eight with a 3-3 record, though they dropped their second straight match. They’ll look to bounce back when they face Nxled on Thursday, November 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Cignal braces for a tough stretch ahead, set to face unbeaten ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on November 13 and defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers on November 18.
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