Cignal Bounces Back Big, Outsmarts Akari in Crucial PVL Victory

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by Cristian Andal

The Cignal Super Spikers celebrate during their game against Akari.
The Cignal Super Spikers celebrate during their game against Akari. Photo: PVL Images.

After a frustrating loss to Capital1 that cost them a Top 3 finish in the prelims, Cignal Super Spikers returned with fire in their eyes, and it showed. 

Behind a stellar effort from their locals and another strong outing from import Katrin Trebichavska, Cignal took down Akari Chargers, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

This one was all about redemption. Cignal, still stung from its earlier stumble, came out composed and hungry. The result? A crucial victory that steadied their 3-3 carry-over record and kept them right in the thick of the heated race for a Top 8 quarterfinal berth in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

What stood out wasn’t just Trebichavska’s consistent brilliance, but the way the homegrown players responded. Erika Santos had her best game of the conference with 19 points, blending power with hustle. Ishie Lalongisip rediscovered her spark, scoring 11, while Roselyn Aquino chipped in 12 in a well-balanced attack that overwhelmed Akari.

Cignal's Erika Santos (8).
Cignal's Erika Santos (8). Photo: PVL Images.

Trebichavska, the team’s steady anchor, once again led by example with 25 points, 9 digs, and 7 receptions, her composure and decision-making steering the Super Spikers through every momentum shift. “It’s all about trust in my teammates and the energy from the fans,” said the Slovak star. “We just needed to keep fighting and believing in our system.”

Cignal had to earn every point, especially in the fourth set when Akari, led by Annie Mitchem and Fifi Sharma, tried to rally late. But with the score at 21-19, Trebichavska delivered back-to-back clutch hits, before Lalongisip and Jackie Acuña sealed the deal with a quick combo that ended the two-hour battle.

Mitchem paced Akari with 22 points, Sharma added 13, and Grethcel Soltones finished with 8, but the Chargers couldn’t sustain their early rhythm. Cignal outgunned them in attacks, 63-50, and dictated tempo from start to finish.

More than the numbers, though, this win felt like a statement; that Cignal’s locals are ready to step up and that when they play in sync with Trebichavska’s leadership, they’re a serious playoff threat.

Akari import Annie Mitchem spikes the ball against Cignal.
Akari import Annie Mitchem spikes the ball against Cignal. Photo: PVL Images.

With their confidence restored and chemistry back in sync, the Super Spikers just reminded the league that they’re far from done and still very much in the fight.