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)
Cignal rediscovered its winning form Monday night, rallying past ZUS Coffee, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, to stay in contention for a bronze medal in the PVL Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Erika Mae Santos powered the HD Spikers with 21 points, while Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip added 13 markers off 10 attacks and three blocks. Ernestine Tiamzon and rookie Erin May Pangilinan also chipped in 10 points each, giving Cignal the much-needed boost after back-to-back losses to Creamline and PLDT.
The HD Spikers also welcomed the return of Alas Pilipinas standouts Vanessa Gandler, who delivered six points, and libero Dawn Catindig, who anchored the floor defense with 18 digs and 15 receptions.
ZUS Coffee, still winless in two outings, put up a gritty fight behind veterans Chai Troncoso (16 points, 11 digs), Kate Santiago (14 points), and Wielyn Estoque (8 points). But the Thunderbelles felt the absence of key players including top scorer Chinnie Arroyo, veteran leader Jovelyn Gonzaga, rookie AC Miner, national team middle blocker Thea Gagate, and playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo.
Earlier, PLDT secured the first finals slot after sweeping Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23. Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with 17 points, backed by Alleiah Malaluan’s 12 and Mika Reyes’ 11.
Nagisa Komatsuda tried to carry Kobe Shinwa with 21 points, while Airisu Ishikawa added eight, but the Japanese squad fell short against PLDT’s balanced attack.