MANILA, Philippines — Cignal booked its semifinals ticket after outlasting Capital1 in a five-set nail-biter, 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25, 15-12, in the knockout quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday.
The HD Spikers prevailed despite Capital1's Marina Tushova's new PVL best scoring record of 50 points as duo MJ Perez and Riri Meneses served as the archer and fortress of Cignal to fend off the gutsy Solar Spikers.
Perez fired 34 markers, while Meneses flaunted her blocking form after making 21 points off 13 attacks, seven blocks, and an ace.
"I really don't know what to answer on how we should defend Tushova, because no matter how much we tried, and despite displaying strong defense against her...she still scored 50 points. We are just grateful for today's win," player of the game Meneses said.
Playmaker Gel Cayuna orchestrated the plays for the HD Spikers after tallying 21 excellent sets, along with seven points.
Team captain Ces Molina joined the double-digit mark after adding 16 points.
After losing the third and fourth frames, Cignal averted a disaster after owning the fifth set as the Venezuelan import went beast mode.
Holding a one-point advantage, 13-12, Perez scored the crucial point after firing a solid crosscourt attack to give Cignal the advantage, 14-12.
Tushova tried to save her squad as she tried to break Cignal's wall, but Jacqueline Acuña sealed the doors to fend off Tushova's attempt, 15-12.
Jorelle Singh added 12 points behind Tushova's 50-point outing.
Cignal is now off to their quest to snatch a finals slot as it awaits its opponent.