Cignal, Petro move closer to semis

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal shut the lights out of Nxled with a quick, merciless 25-17, 25-14, 25-14 victory yesterday and moved closer to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena.

Jovelyn Gonzaga, Vanessa Gandler and Roselyn Doria each fired 12 points while skipper Ces Molina scattered 11 hits as the HD Spikers rolled to their seventh victory in 10 games or just a step away from advancing to the playoffs alongside siblings Creamline and Choco Mucho.

A win over Gerflor on Dec. 5 would formalize Cignal’s semis entry.

“Very thankful panalo. Isa na lang sure na kami sa semis,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.

The HD Spikers vented their ire on the Chameleons after a heartbreaking 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 16-14 defeat to the Chery Tiggo Crossovers last Tuesday.

“Mahirap, ang lalim ng hinugot namin last game,” said the battle-scarred Gonzaga.

“But we were reminded to move forward at pinaka-importante may baon na confidence and pride sa susunod na games sa semis,” said Gonzaga, who was loaned by Army after the latter didn’t field a team in the ongoing tournament.

In the second game, Petro Gazz eliminated Akari, 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 32-30, while keeping its semis hopes alive.

The Angels improved to 6-4 but would have to beat the PLDT High Speed Hitters next to earn a semis slot. The Chargers fell to 5-5.