After two long years, the Cignal Super Spikers are back in the Finals after taking down the Creamline Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
In the fourth set, the Super Spikers started hot, opening with a 7-1 run led by Vanie Gandler. The Cool Smashers failed to close the gap as it widened further, 21-13—which proved to be out of reach.
“Una sa lahat sobrang thank you kay Lord sa pag-guide talaga sa amin everyday. Siyempre again, lagi ko namang sinasabi nakaka-proud ’yung team,” said Super Spikers head coach Shaq delos Santos.
“Alam naman namin kung paano kami nag-start, paano namin tinrabaho ang lahat ng ’to, and good thing kasi ’yung eagerness ng bawat isa, especially nung mga starting six na grabe ’yung effort. Ayun, sobrang happy and proud talaga sa team,” he added.
Cignal Nets Major Milestone
With the win, Cignal improved to 2-0 in the round-robin semifinals, securing its return to the championship round for the first time since the 2024 Invitational Conference. It also marks the franchise’s first Finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference and its third overall since joining the league in 2021.
Gandler led the Super Spikers with 24 points built on 22 attacks and 2 blocks, along with 10 excellent receptions, while Erika Santos backed her up with a double-double of 14 points and 14 excellent digs.
Tin Tiamzon also delivered 14 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Rose Doria-Aquino chipped in 10 points.
Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets and 2 points, while Dawn Catindig anchored the floor defense with 21 excellent digs.
On the other side, Bernadeth Pons paced Creamline with 17 points, while Jema Galanza was limited to 10 points but tallied 17 excellent receptions.
The loss also knocked the PLDT High Speed out of Finals contention after their loss to Creamline previously. It also sets up a crucial race for the last finals spot between the Cool Smashers and Farm Fresh.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Thursday, April 16 • Filoil Centre • Semifinals
Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Farm Fresh Foxies, 4:00 p.m.
PLDT High Speed Hitters vs. Cignal Super Spikers, 6:30 p.m.
