PVL: Cignal repels Creamline to clinch Finals spot; PLDT booted out of contention

MANILA, April 15 ------ Cignal is the first finalist of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. The Super Spikers have earned a spot in the championship round by repelling Creamline in a four-set battle, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, in the round-robin semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The win has assured Cignal of at least a Top 2 finish in the semis, while sending the Cool Smashers (1-1) to a virtual duel with Farm Fresh (1-1) for the last Finals berth. For its part, PLDT is now out of title contention, being at 0-2 with no more pathway to the Finals. Both Cignal and Creamline exchanged lopsided set wins, with the Super Spikers taking Sets 1 and 3, while the Cool Smashers getting the second frame.

However, the Shaq delos Santos-coached squad rewrote the script in the fourth and final frame, dominating Set 4, 25-16. "We really just did our best to stay composed even when they got one set from us. And then we just kept telling each other, 'one point at a time, one point at a time' 'cause based on experience, we know how Creamline can really come back at anytime even if the score is super far," said star spiker Vanie Gandler, acknowledging how dangerous the 10-time champions are. She took much of the offensive load, garnering 24 points built on 22 attacks and two blocks to go with 10 excellent receptions, while Erika Santos made her presence felt by listing 14 points. Tin Tiamzon added 13 markers, while Rose Doria-Aquino had 10.

Steering the Super Spikers' firepower was Gel Cayuna, who had 29 excellent sets, allowing her team nail 60 attacks compared to Creamline's 40. This marked Cignal's return to the title stage, the first since the 2024 Invitational and its first finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference. Meanwhile, Creamline is having a detour as they take on the Foxies on Thursday. Bernadeth Pons expectedly led the Cool Smashers' scoring with 17 points, while Jema Galanza had 10 markers in the loss.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com