Cignal kept the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference Pool B semis race as tight as ever, easing past Farm Fresh, 25-18, 25-19, 25-18, to force a three-way tie for the lead at 3-1 with Petro Gazz and F2 Logistics with Choco Mucho just behind with a 2-1 slate with two playdates left in the elims on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
But from the looks of things, the Cargo Movers have the inside track at the first semis seat with the ousted Foton Tornadoes (0-3) as their last assignment on Tuesday.
The Angels and the Flying Titans clash tomorrow in a virtual knockout match while the HD Spikers will face the latter, also on Tuesday.
Cignal never put its stake against Farm Fresh in doubt, scoring heavily on wing attacks and quick plays to whip the Foxies in 73 minutes. The HD Spikers actually yielded five match points but still prevailed by a big margin as Vanie Gandler delivered the clincher on a strong attack.
Farm Fresh fell to 0-4 without winning a single set.
Seasoned Ces Molina and Jovielyn Gonzaga provided the firepower against their young rivals, finishing with 16 and 12 points, respectively, while Riri Meneses and Gandler each had eight points for the HD Spikers, who finished with 51 attack points against the Foxies’ 33.
Kate Santiago scored 12 points while Wielyn Estogque added seven markers and Zamantha Nolasco and Aprylle Tagsip combined for 10 points for the Foxies, who tangle with the Tornadoes in a duel of winless teams on Saturday.
