Photo credit: PVL

In an epic battle that had fans on the edge of their seats, Cignal outlasted Kurashiki in a gripping five-set clash at the Philsports Arena, securing their spot in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational 2024 finals. The HD Spikers showed immense heart and grit, winning 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11 to seal an all-Filipino showdown against the mighty Creamline Cool Smashers.

The match was nothing short of dramatic, with both teams exchanging leads and testing each other's resolve. But Cignal’s key weapon, MJ Perez, stepped up when it mattered most. Delivering a personal-best 36 points, Perez was unstoppable, especially in the final stretch where she fired three crucial points that pushed her team over the top.

After trading sets and battling two-point deficits, Cignal found themselves in a do-or-die fifth set. Perez, with her power and precision, helped the HD Spikers take control, giving them a crucial 12-10 lead after a perfectly timed drop ball. From there, despite Kurashiki’s efforts, Cignal kept their composure. Perez’s fierce spike set up match point, and although Kurashiki challenged the final call, Yano’s hit was ruled out, sparking joyous celebrations from the Cignal bench.

"It was a tough match, but we stayed composed and focused on every point," libero Dawn Catindig shared after her stellar performance, where she recorded 27 excellent digs. "We’re really excited for the finals, and we’re determined to bounce back against Creamline."

Now, all eyes are on the highly anticipated finals where Cignal will face Creamline, who are chasing a grand slam. This will be a monumental test for the HD Spikers, who are eager to capture their first-ever PVL championship after falling short in past encounters with the Cool Smashers.

As the volleyball community gears up for the grand finals on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, fans can expect another thrilling showdown, with Cignal riding high on their momentum and Creamline ready to defend their reign. Let the finals begin!