Cignal halts skid, outlasts ZUS Coffee in PVL Invitational

Cignal HD finally put an end to its four-game slump, overcoming a first-set scare before taking down the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

With their backs against the wall after a string of tough losses, the HD Spikers leaned on the timely return of Alas Pilipinas standouts Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, who both rejoined the squad fresh from national team duties. Their presence gave Cignal the much-needed stability and spark to finally get back in the win column.

Catindig anchored the floor defense with trademark consistency, tallying 18 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions, while Gandler contributed six points in limited minutes as she continues to ease back into the lineup.

“Very happy, siyempre na nakabalik na kami sa Cignal and kami naman ni Vanie, we’re just doing our best din kung ano man ‘yung mabigay namin sa team,” said Catindig after the win.

“Proud ako sa team sa pinerform namin today kasi lahat talaga gustong bumawi and mabalik ‘yung kumpyansa sa isa’t isa,” she added.

While the national team duo provided leadership, it was Erika Santos who carried the scoring load, erupting for 21 points to pace Cignal’s balanced attack. Supporting her were Ishie Lalonisip with 13 markers, and veterans Tim Tiamzon and Erin Pangilinan, who added 10 points each.

CONNECTION: FOUND

Dawn Catindig and the Cignal HD Spikers get their first victory after a convincing four-setter over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to stay alive in the podium hunt of the 2025 PVL Invitational!#PVLInvitational #PVL2025 #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/pUZSHmLyam

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 25, 2025

The Thunderbelles, despite missing key players in Chinnie Arroyo, Jovelyn Gonzaga, rookie AC Miner, national team member Thea Gagate, and playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo, still managed to draw first blood by snatching the opening set.

 However, the undermanned squad struggled to sustain the momentum as Cignal tightened its coverage and started dictating the pace in the following frames.

For Cignal, the win not only ended its four-game slide but also revived its hopes of staying alive in the Invitational Conference. The HD Spikers now turn their focus to Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa, whom they face on Thursday in another must-win match.

ZUS Coffee, meanwhile, looks to regroup quickly as it battles Chery Tiggo on Tuesday, hoping to finally find its rhythm and earn a breakthrough victory in the mid-season tournament.

The win also gives the PLDT High Speed Hitters a slot in the finale of the Invitationals. 

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