PLDT clinches semis berth with four-set win vs shorthanded Cignal

PLDT Home Fibr took advantage of a shorthanded Cignal side to book a semifinals ticket in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference with a 25-19, 25-20, 21-25, 25-22 victory on Saturday.

PLDT wrapped up the elimination round with a 4-2 win-loss card while Cignal, which had already qualified to the semis, slid to identical 4-2 slate.

The Power Hitters took convincing wins in the first and second sets as Cignal played with only eight players after most of the starters were placed under health and safety protocols.

Ces Molina was in the lineup but didn't suit up due to an injury she sustained in the previous game.

Despite a manpower shortage, the HD Spikers rallied in the third set with Klarisa Abriam and setter Gel Cayuna bringing them to the set point, 24-21, before Jacqueline Acuña finished it off as they extended the clash.

Mika Reyes then came alive in the fourth as she fueled a 6-0 spurt to give PLDT a much-needed 16-14 cushion. Back-to-back errors from Cayuna sent PLDT to the match point, 24-22, as Fiola Ceballos converted a power hit to complete the win.

Reyes led the PLDT offense with 14 points while Ceballos chipped in 13 markers and 10 excellent receptions.

Abriam made the most of the playing time as she finished with a team-high 15 points while Angeli Araneta chimed in with 14 in the losing effort.

—JMB, GMA News