Cignal, Chery Tiggo, Aim to Avoid Play-In Upsets and Clinch PVL Playoff Spots

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Cignal HD Spikers and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers are seeking to wrap up their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Play-In stage matches with wins to avoid a pair of stunning upsets and earn direct ticket to the quarterfinals.

Both franchises are considered two of the most veteran-laden squads in the PVL but the challenge will get tougher as the Farm Fresh Foxies and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles will be standing in their quest for a road to redemption.

Farm Fresh will be taking on Chery Tiggo in the first game, while the Thunderbelles square off against the HD Spikers in the last scheduled match today, for the first set of PVL Play-In games.

Chery Tiggo is coming off a convincing 3-0 sweep over the NXLED Chameleons, and will only need one more win to formalize their seat back into the PVL playoffs.

Despite a rough start in the regular season, the Crossovers were able to come together midway through the conference and clinched several momentum-boosting wins to make it to the Play-In stage.

Backstopped by the leadership and veteran experience of former national team captain Aby Maraño, Chery Tiggo always became a threat in every PVL conference.

Also steering the ship for the franchise are former CPU standout and Ilongga pride Princess Robles, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, and Ara Galang.

Chery Tiggo will look to repeat their dominant performance over Farm Fresh last January 25, 2025, where they pulled off a four-set win, 21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20.

Meanwhile, the HD Spikers, who faced a disappointing slump in the final half of the regular season before the Play-In started, redeemed themselves in the first round after they took down the promising Capital1 Solar Spikers in four sets.

Player health issues hindered their chances of an automatic spot in the quarterfinals. With their inconsistent rotation to make up for their injured players, the HD Spikers had to work around with whoever was available to lead the team.

Of course, manning the offensive department for Cignal is Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip, the team’s super rookie who stepped up when the coaching staff increased her minutes in the rotation.

Standing their way are the Thunderbelles led by one of the greatest outside hitters in the league, Jovelyn Gonzaga, supported by the team’s fountain of youth composed of Thea Gagate, Michelle Gamit, and Chinnie Arroyo.

Teams who are already qualified in the PVL quarterfinal round are the Galeries Tower Highrisers, Akari Chargers, PLDT High-Speed Hitters, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Creamline Cool Smashers, and the Petro Gazz Angels.