Cignal refused to suffer another meltdown this time in the more important match, outlasting Creamline, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15, to book its ticket to the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Licking the wounds of their five-set defeat to Creamline last Saturday, the Super Spikers stood their ground to come back from a 2-1 match deficit.

Vanie Gandler stepped up in the clutch to send the Super Spikers to match point, 14-12, but Tots Carlos saved the Cool Smashers, followed by a successful block touch challenge mid rally to force a deuce.

 

Photo: PVL

Gandler brought back Cignal on top but Alyssa Valdez tied the set anew, 15-all. However, a service error from Pangs Panaga and an attack out by Valdez sent the Super Spikers to the semis.

Setter Gel Cayuna stamped her class with 35 excellent sets and 11 points.

Erika Santos unleashed 26 points off 23 kills, two blocks, and an ace, while Gandler had 22 points, 28 excellent receptions, and 13 digs. Dawn Catindig protected the floor with 31 digs.

Cignal joined PLDT High Speed Hitters in the semifinals, which begin April 11 at Mall of Asia Arena.

 

Photo: PVL

Two semifinal spots remain up for grabs, with Creamline dropping to another do-or-die match against the winner of the Play-In clash between Akari Chargers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Farm Fresh Foxies will also get another chance as they face the survivor of the Play-In duel between Nxled Chameleons and Galeries Tower Highrisers for the last Final Four berth.

Bernadeth Pons’ comeback was spoiled despite her 20 points. Valdez had another all-around game of 18 points, 20 excellent receptions, and 19 digs. Panaga had 14 points, while Carlos and Bea De Leon added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Jia De Guzman, who had a bad slip in their previous game, orchestrated Creamline’s offense with 31 excellent sets. Jen Nierva had 17 receptions and 12 digs.