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Cignal's Defense Matches Its Firepower In Breakthrough Win Over Creamline
Photo credit: PVL
Cignal’s resurgence in the Premier Volleyball League gathered more momentum Tuesday night as the HD Spikers combined resolute defense with emerging offensive power to stun Creamline in straight sets, 25-22, 25-18, 28-26, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
It wasn’t just a statement win – it was a performance that signaled a shift.
What began as a confident two-set command by Cignal evolved into a gripping third-set test of composure, poise, and grit – the very qualities that once defined Creamline’s championship legacy. Yet this time, it was the HD Spikers who outlasted the Cool Smashers in the crucible of crunch-time pressure, showcasing a team that is not only rebuilding but fast becoming a contender again.
“We studied our opponents’ weaknesses and stuck to where we had the advantage,” said setter Gel Cayuna, who steered the team with 22 excellent sets and a composed floor presence. “It was all about execution and staying composed.”
The numbers backed that up – and so did the story they told.
Cignal’s net defense was as aggressive as it was timely, outblocking Creamline 8-2, while the floor coverage, led by libero Buding Duremdes’ 16 excellent digs, made the Cool Smashers work for every point. The defensive intensity became the foundation upon which their revitalized offense thrived.
Erika Santos once again turned heads with 18 points, continuing her rise as a reliable scoring option after joining the team in the offseason. Heather Guino-o added timely attacks, including one that gave Cignal a seemingly comfortable 23-18 edge in the third frame. But Creamline, drawing on its seasoned core, rallied to erase the deficit and save multiple match points.
That late-set drama turned into a battle of nerves. Even after surrendering their lead and surviving their own miscues, the HD Spikers stayed locked in. Ishie Lalongisip, denied on her first chance to seal the match, made no mistake on the second. Her back-to-back hits, the final one ricocheting off the Creamline block and sailing out of bounds, capped a thrilling finish.
Lalongisip finished with 15 points, but her value extended beyond scoring. She contributed seven excellent digs and 10 receptions in a two-way performance that underlined the team’s defensive identity.
It was Cignal’s first victory over Creamline since the 2022 Reinforced Conference semifinals and marked the Cool Smashers’ first straight-sets defeat since March 16. For a team still emerging from a turbulent offseason and a disappointing ninth-place finish in the last All-Filipino Conference, it was a win that could mark a turning point.
Even with the third set hanging in the balance, the HD Spikers didn’t flinch.
Sheena Toring’s clutch block. Santos’ quick recovery from two late hitting errors. Cayuna’s decision-making under pressure. Each moment reflected a team growing more confident in its identity – one built not just on firepower but on resolve and resilience.
Cignal now stands atop Pool B with a 3-0 record, ahead of Creamline (2-1), following earlier sweeps of Akari and Capital1. More than just a fast start, the HD Spikers have shown the makings of a team capable of disrupting the PVL hierarchy.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve rediscovered the kind of belief that’s difficult to beat – especially when paired with the kind of defense that holds as firm as their ambition.
It wasn’t just a statement win – it was a performance that signaled a shift.
What began as a confident two-set command by Cignal evolved into a gripping third-set test of composure, poise, and grit – the very qualities that once defined Creamline’s championship legacy. Yet this time, it was the HD Spikers who outlasted the Cool Smashers in the crucible of crunch-time pressure, showcasing a team that is not only rebuilding but fast becoming a contender again.
“We studied our opponents’ weaknesses and stuck to where we had the advantage,” said setter Gel Cayuna, who steered the team with 22 excellent sets and a composed floor presence. “It was all about execution and staying composed.”
The numbers backed that up – and so did the story they told.
Cignal’s net defense was as aggressive as it was timely, outblocking Creamline 8-2, while the floor coverage, led by libero Buding Duremdes’ 16 excellent digs, made the Cool Smashers work for every point. The defensive intensity became the foundation upon which their revitalized offense thrived.
Erika Santos once again turned heads with 18 points, continuing her rise as a reliable scoring option after joining the team in the offseason. Heather Guino-o added timely attacks, including one that gave Cignal a seemingly comfortable 23-18 edge in the third frame. But Creamline, drawing on its seasoned core, rallied to erase the deficit and save multiple match points.
That late-set drama turned into a battle of nerves. Even after surrendering their lead and surviving their own miscues, the HD Spikers stayed locked in. Ishie Lalongisip, denied on her first chance to seal the match, made no mistake on the second. Her back-to-back hits, the final one ricocheting off the Creamline block and sailing out of bounds, capped a thrilling finish.
Lalongisip finished with 15 points, but her value extended beyond scoring. She contributed seven excellent digs and 10 receptions in a two-way performance that underlined the team’s defensive identity.
It was Cignal’s first victory over Creamline since the 2022 Reinforced Conference semifinals and marked the Cool Smashers’ first straight-sets defeat since March 16. For a team still emerging from a turbulent offseason and a disappointing ninth-place finish in the last All-Filipino Conference, it was a win that could mark a turning point.
Even with the third set hanging in the balance, the HD Spikers didn’t flinch.
Sheena Toring’s clutch block. Santos’ quick recovery from two late hitting errors. Cayuna’s decision-making under pressure. Each moment reflected a team growing more confident in its identity – one built not just on firepower but on resolve and resilience.
Cignal now stands atop Pool B with a 3-0 record, ahead of Creamline (2-1), following earlier sweeps of Akari and Capital1. More than just a fast start, the HD Spikers have shown the makings of a team capable of disrupting the PVL hierarchy.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve rediscovered the kind of belief that’s difficult to beat – especially when paired with the kind of defense that holds as firm as their ambition.
Jul 2, 2025
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