Super Spikers Make Triumphant Return to Finals After Two-Year Absence

Cignal secured a spot in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Finals for the first time in two years, defeating defending champions Creamline in four sets, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, during the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, the Super Spikers improved to a 2-0 record in the round-robin semifinals, earning their long-awaited Finals berth. This marks their first appearance in the All-Filipino Conference Finals and their third overall since joining the PVL in 2021. Their last Finals appearance was in the 2024 Invitational Conference, where they were defeated by Creamline.

Head coach Shaq delos Santos expressed immense pride in his team's journey and collective effort in reaching this milestone.

"First of all, thank you to the Lord for guiding us every day. And of course, I’m really proud of the team," delos Santos said. "We know how we started and how we worked for this. The eagerness of every player, especially the starting six, has been incredible. I’m just really happy and proud of everyone."

Cignal turned the tide in the fourth set with a powerful surge, spearheaded by Vanie Gandler, who scored four points in a pivotal 7-1 run that broke Creamline’s resistance. That stretch gave Cignal a commanding 21-13 lead, effectively sealing the victory.

Gandler led the charge for the Super Spikers, finishing with 24 points—22 from attacks and two from kill blocks—along with 10 excellent receptions in a standout all-around performance.

She was supported by Erika Santos, who posted a double-double of 14 points and 14 excellent digs, and Tine Tiamzon, who matched her scoring with 14 points and added 10 excellent receptions. Rose Doria-Aquino contributed 10 points, rounding out Cignal's double-digit scorers.

Setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets, adding two points, while Dawn Catindig anchored the defense with 21 excellent digs.

With the victory, Cignal aims for a semifinals sweep when they face winless PLDT on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Filoil Centre.

The result also tightens the race for the remaining Finals spot, as Creamline (1-1) is now tied with Farm Fresh ahead of their crucial Thursday matchup at 4 p.m. The winner of that game will secure the last Finals berth, while PLDT has been officially eliminated from contention.

For Creamline, Bernadeth Pons led the way with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, while Jema Galanza contributed 10 points and 17 excellent receptions in the loss.