TOP SCORER. Cignal's Erika Mae Santos tries to score against ZUS Coffee's Chai Troncoso in the PVL Invitational at the Paco Arena in Manila on Monday (Aug. 25, 2025). She scored 21 points as the HD Spikers won to snap a two-game skid. (PVL photo)
MANILA – Cignal got back on track Monday night, beating ZUS Coffee squad, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, to keep its bronze medal hopes alive in the PVL Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Erika Mae Santos scored 21 points while Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip chipped in 13 points off 10 attacks and three blocks for the HD Spikers, which bowed to the Creamline Cool Smashers (25-22, 17-25, 25-22, 11-25, 8-15) and the PLDT High Speed Hitters (19-25, 13-25, 22-25).
Ernestine Tiamzon and rookie Erin May Pangilinan added 10 points each.
Cignal welcomed the return of Alas Pilipinas mainstays Vanessa Gandler, who scored six points, and libero Dawn Catindig, who delivered18 digs and 15 receptions.
ZUS Coffee, which relied on veterans Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago and Wielyn Estoque, remained winless after two games.
Troncoso finished with 16 points and 11 digs followed by Santiago with 14 points and Estoque with eight points, including two blocks.
The Thunderbelles fought hard despite the absence of top outside hitter Chinnie Arroyo, veteran leader Jovelyn Gonzaga, rookie AC Miner, national team anchor Thea Gagate, and setter Cloanne Mondonedo.
Earlier, PLDT downed Kobe Shinwa University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to secure the first final berth.
Savi Davison scored 17 points in leading the High Speed Hitters to their third straight win.
Alleiah Malaluan and Mika Reyes contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Nagisa Komatsuda scored 21 points off 19 attacks, one block and one ace, while Airisu Ishikawa had eight points for Kobe Shinwa University. (PNA)
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