Cignal dims Akari’s light, punches PVL On Tour semis ticket

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Cignal HD Spikers pulled off a statement win by sweeping the Akari Chargers, 25–20, 25–11, 28–26, to secure a semifinal slot in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour on August 7, 2025, at the Philsports Arena.

Fresh off a momentum-boosting victory over the ZUS Thunderbelles, the HD Spikers picked up where they left off, pummeling Akari in straight sets to advance to the Final Four of the preseason tourney.

However, it was a shaky start for Cignal after trailing 9–12 due to multiple unforced errors in their backline attacks.

Just when Akari thought they had kicked off an ideal start, the HD Spikers roared back and unleashed a demoralizing 10–0 run that turned a three-point deficit into a seven-point lead, 19–12.

Erika Santos spearheaded Cignal’s massive rally with several cross-court hits, supported by Ishie Lalongisip’s offensive barrage in the final stretch that sealed a come-from-behind win in the opener.

Oozing with momentum after their resilient first set, Cignal amped up the intensity in the next frame, torching Akari with crisper offensive schemes run by star setter Gel Cayuna.

Cayuna varied her point of attack and kept Akari guessing with unpredictable setting patterns, involving nearly every hitter in the middle.

Santos and Lalongisip had lighter scoring duties as Cayuna distributed sets efficiently to Roselyn Doria-Aquino and Tin Tiamzon.

The third set told a different story as Akari moved a point away from extending the match with a 25–24 edge.

However, the Chargers gave up two straight points on back-to-back unforced errors, handing Cignal a chance to close.

Gretchel Soltones kept Akari alive briefly with a clutch spike that forced a 26–26 deadlock.

The final two plays came anticlimactically after the HD Spikers challenged a running attack initially ruled out.

Following a video review, the call was overturned, giving Cignal the sweep and the quarterfinal win.

Santos once again led the charge, top-scoring with 24 points and six excellent digs.

Backing her up was Aquino with 10 markers, while Lalongisip added nine points off seven successful attacks.

The HD Spikers will now await the winner between the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the NXLED Chameleons and face them on August 12, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.