MJ Perez and the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals against Capital1 Solar Spikers. They booked a semis spot after ousting the Solar Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Cignal earned the first semifinal seat in the PVL Reinforced Conference despite Capital1’s Marina Tushova’s 50-point explosion on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The HD Spikers pulled away with a hard-fought 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25, 15-12 triumph behind MJ Perez’s 34 points, all but one from attacks, apart from 15 excellent receptions.
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“My mind was always positive, I was thinking all the time and praying all the time that this is our game and I was telling the girls, keeping on talking to them the whole game this is ours, this is ours,” Perez said.
“We have been working so hard and fighting and we deserve it,” she added.
Riri Meneses came through with 21 points, seven of which were blocks. Ces Molina was also productive with 16 points from 14 attacks, a block and an ace other than 14 excellent receptions.
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Gel Cayuna activated Cignal’s offense with 21 excellent sets, hitter turned libero Judith Abil caught 18 excellent digs with Chin Basas 11.
After eliminating Capital1, Cignal will be facing off against the winner between Creamline and defending champion Petro Gazz which clashes on Tuesday.
Marina Tushova and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Tushova reset her previous scoring record of 49 points but it was still not enough to carry her squad to a first-ever semifinal appearance. She also had 12 excellent digs and 16 receptions.
“Credit also goes to [Capital1], especially [Tushova], who was really tough to play against, to be honest. She’s not an easy opponent,” coach Shaq delos Santos said. “No matter how much effort we put in, once she gains momentum, she will definitely score.”
“But the good thing is, and I’m really happy and proud of the team because, despite everything that happened, we overcame the struggle earlier and got the win. That’s what’s most important to us,” he added.
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Jorelle Singh was the next best scorer for the improved Solar Spikers with 12 points. Singh also had 11 excellent digs while Iris Tolenada tossed 19 excellent sets.
Rookie libero Roma Mae Dormal had 15 excellent receptions.
Singh gave Capital1 the lead in the deciding frame, 8-9, after landing a cross-court kill but Perez retaliated in the next play with a kill from back row.
The HD Spikers never relinquished the lead again as Perez attacked and Meneses blocked Tushova, 13-10.
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The Russian scored through the block, her 50th point, but Cignal was determined to take home the win as Perez scored off a drop ball and Jackie Acuña stopped a kill from Tushova for the win.