By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cignal inched closer to a Qualifying Round berth after dismantling ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 25-23, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday.
The victory — their fifth in seven games — enabled Super Spikers to heave a huge sigh of relief following a painful five-set loss to the Akari Chargers last weekend.
It also cemented their hold of the lead.
Vanie Gandler spearheaded Cignal’s charge with 20 points built on 18 attacks, while Roselyn Doria chipped in 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks.
Gandler said the team remains wary despite the strong start to the conference.
“We know that no one is safe. Even though we started the conference strong. Now isn’t the time for us to relax, so every practice, we’re doing our best to stay aggressive and improve from our mistakes,” she said.
Despite the straight-set win, the Super Spikers needed one hour and 26 minutes to dispatch the Thunderbelles.
Cignal tallied 11 blocks — fourth from Jackie Acuña — while limiting ZUS Coffee to just 38 kills.
Thea Gagate and Chinnie Arroyo scored 11 points each for the Thunderbelles, who continued to struggle after absorbing their fourth straight defeat to drop to 1-5.
