Cignal, Creamline meet in pivotal PVL clash

Cignal and Creamline are set for a decisive third meeting in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on today, April 14, with the winner moving closer to the first Finals berth in a high-stakes semifinal showdown at Mall of Asia Arena. The match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., following the 4 p.m. knockout duel between PLDT and Farm Fresh.

The latest chapter in the rivalry comes after the Super Spikers and the Cool Smashers split two previous five-set matches, leaving little separation between two teams that have leaned on different strengths to reach this point of the conference.

For Cignal, the matchup offers a chance to build on the momentum of its four-set win over Farm Fresh, when it recovered from a first-set loss and rolled to a 23-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-12 victory in its semifinal opener.

Coach Shaq delos Santos said recovery remains a priority as his team prepares for another physically demanding battle.

“Mag-recover ng maayos (Recover well),” he emphasized, knowing full well that endurance could again define the outcome.

Delos Santos said preparation will be just as important against a Creamline side that has repeatedly shown it can adjust under pressure.

“Aralin ulit namin kung paano ‘yung galaw ng Creamline… alam naman natin kung gaano sila kahirap kalaban (We’ll study again how Creamline moves/plays… we know how difficult they are to face),” said delos Santos.

Cignal’s strength has come from a combination of scoring depth and disciplined system play.

Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos have supplied the offensive punch, while Tin Tiamzon, Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña have given the Super Spikers additional versatility at the net and in transition.

Setter Gel Cayuna has directed the offense, and libero Dawn Catindig has anchored the back line, giving Cignal a balanced rotation entering the crucial match.

With two days to recover and recalibrate, Cignal appears set to lean on structure and offensive balance in another test of poise and endurance.

Creamline, meanwhile, enters the match with the benefit of experience and a roster that coach Sherwin Meneses said is finally healthy after an injury-hit campaign.

“Ang pinaka-mahalaga ay maging healthy kami ngayon… maging 100 percent lahat (The most important thing is that we stay healthy right now… that everyone is at 100 percent),” said Meneses.

That improved health showed in Creamline’s five-set victory over PLDT on April 11, when the Cool Smashers outlasted the High Speed Hitters, 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10, to strengthen their push in the semifinal round.

Jema Galanza delivered 17 points in that win, while Bernadette Pons erupted for 28 in one of Creamline’s biggest performances of the conference.

Creamline’s edge, however, extends beyond individual production.

Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga have contributed across multiple phases, while setters Jia de Guzman and Kyle Negrito have kept the offense organized in pressure moments.

The Cool Smashers also bring the pedigree of a franchise that has won 10 PVL titles, a championship standard that has often surfaced in tight matches and deep postseason runs.

Meneses said those difficult moments have helped shape the team’s mindset.

“‘Yung mga experience namin na mahirap… ayun yung nagpapalakas sa amin (The difficult experiences we’ve had… those are what make us stronger,)” said Meneses said.

With both teams carrying one win apiece in previous head-to-head meetings, Tuesday’s contest shapes up as another match likely to be decided by adjustments, stamina and composure.

Cignal is expected to rely on preparation, structure and scoring balance.

Creamline is expected to counter with depth, experience and calm under pressure.

The stakes are equally sharp in the day’s first match, where PLDT and Farm Fresh meet at 4 p.m. in a knockout duel that keeps the winner in the title chase and leaves the loser on the brink. (PVL photo)