Cignal, Akari stretch unbeaten slates in PVL Reinforced Conference

Cignal and Akari kept their unblemished records intact after soaring past Capital1and Petro Gazz in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena. 

The HD Spikers avoided a meltdown and finished off Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 25-13, behind another stellar outing from import MJ Perez as they improved to 3-0 in Pool B. 

Perez, who once led F2 Logistics in the PSL Grand Prix title in 2017, poured in 23 points anchored on 20 attacks, two aces, and one block while also contributing on the defense with 12 digs and 15 receptions for a triple-double performance. 

Akari, meanwhile, outlasted the struggling and defending champion Petro Gazz in five sets, gutting out a hard-fought 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 29-27,16-14 reverse sweep to likewise improve to a 3-0 record. 

Oly Okaro detonated for 31 big points alongside 11 digs as the Charges continued to impress following massive wins against Choco Mucho and Capital1. 

In another game, Choco Mucho bounced back from the five-set loss to Akari by surviving ZUS Coffee in four, 14-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18, behind the tandem of Honey Royse Tubino and Isa Molde, who stepped up in the absence of import Zoi Faki. 

The veteran Tubino churned out 21 points while Molde was all over the floor with 17 markers, 12 digs, and six receptions to help the Flying Titans secure their breakthrough win after their first two losses. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News