Cignal Survives Nxled in Five-Set Behind Trebichavska and Birthday Girl Santos
Cignal Super Spikers pulled off a gritty comeback win over the still-winless Nxled Chameleons, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-15, 16-14, to notch their second straight victory in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
Newly arrived import Katrin Trebichavska and birthday celebrant Erika Santos joined forces to lift Cignal from the brink of defeat, with the Slovakian reinforcement arriving just three hours before game time and immediately making a huge impact.
Down 13-14 in the deciding fifth set after Paola Martinez’s explosive 38-point showing gave Nxled match point, Trebichavska fired a clutch kill to tie the count. Martinez then committed a costly attack error, before Roselyn Doria-Aquino sealed the two-hour-and-30-minute duel with a joust that found an open spot, giving the Super Spikers the win and an even 2-2 record in Pool A.
Trebichavska dazzled in her debut, scoring 21 points on 17 kills, three aces, and a block, while also contributing 10 excellent digs and seven receptions.
Santos, celebrating her 26th birthday, led all locals with 21 points built on 19 attacks, a block, and an ace. Ishie Lalongisip continued her steady play with 11 points, while Aquino and Jackie Acuña chipped in nine apiece. Setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets, while Dawn Catindig anchored the floor defense with 17 digs and nine receptions.
The Super Spikers’ service game proved crucial, tallying 10 aces compared to Nxled’s five and capitalizing on the Chameleons’ 26 errors.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Despite the loss, Nxled’s Martinez delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of the season, finishing with 38 points on 34 kills and four blocks. Chiara Permentilla provided solid support with 16 points and 17 receptions, while rookie Lyann De Guzman posted 11 points, 15 digs, and 13 receptions.
With the loss, Nxled slid to 0-4 in Pool A, still in search of its first victory of the tournament.
Cignal, which previously stunned PLDT to end its rival’s 15-game winning streak, will aim to close its first-round campaign on a high note against Capital1 on Friday at the Playtime FilOil Centre. Nxled, meanwhile, looks to finally break through when it faces PLDT later that evening.
📅 Want to stay updated on the PVL action??
Check out the [PVL schedule here] and see where your favorite team stands in the [PVL latest team standings here].
