Gel Cayuna Steers Cignal to Gritty, Momentum-Shifting Win Over Creamline

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by Raymund Tamayo

The Cignal Super Spikers during their game versus the Creamline Cool Smashers.
The Cignal Super Spikers during their game versus the Creamline Cool Smashers. Photo: PVL Images.

When Cignal and Creamline cross paths, you can always count on a tug-of-war. Long rallies, stubborn defenses, and enough momentum swings to make anyone dizzy. 

But on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban, it was the Super Spikers who kept their nerves in check, pulling off a hard-earned 25-18, 20-25, 22-25, 25-16, 15-11 victory that sent a timely jolt of confidence into their quarterfinal push.

And at the heart of it all stood Gel Cayuna.

The veteran setter ran Cignal’s offense with the composure of someone who has seen every possible game scenario. In the winner-take-all fifth set, her command was unmistakable, mixing tempos, disguising options, and putting her hitters exactly where they needed to be. She finished with 28 excellent sets, outdueling Creamline’s Kyle Negrito in a matchup that often dictates how these clashes unfold.

“We just had to stay composed. Alam namin how dangerous Creamline is pag-Set 5,” Cayuna said afterward, her calm tone matching the poise she displayed on the floor.

Cignal's Gel Cayuna
Cignal's Gel Cayuna. Photo: PVL Images.

Cignal needed that steadiness. Down 1–2 in sets, they refused to fade, instead storming through the fourth set to force a decider, then keeping Creamline at arm’s length when it mattered most.

Katrin Trebichavska, unfazed by the pressure, delivered another marquee performance, firing 20 points and repeatedly winning key duels against Cool Smashers import Coco Schwan. Vanie Gandler chipped in 15 markers, while Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña added 12 and 10, respectively, as Cignal’s balanced attack proved too tough to contain.

The fifth set featured everything you’d expect from two proud franchises, a back-and-forth opening stretch, clutch challenges, and both sides trading haymakers. But after a pair of heavy back-row hits from Gandler put Cignal ahead 6-4, the Super Spikers never surrendered control.

Trebichavska’s service ace pushed the lead to 9-4 before Creamline mounted its trademark push. Still, every time the Cool Smashers tried to claw closer, Cignal answered with steady passing, disciplined blocking, and just enough firepower to keep the door closed.

Cignal's Vanie Gandler (5) spikes the ball against Creamline defenders
Cignal's Vanie Gandler (5) spikes the ball against Creamline defenders. Photo: PVL Images.

A crisp Cayuna-to-Gandler connection broke Creamline’s last defensive wall, and Trebichavska’s off-the-block dagger sealed the two-hour marathon.

Creamline leaned heavily on Schwan’s 25 points, but the usually reliable supporting cast couldn’t break double figures. Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos posted nine each, while Michele Gumabao was held to seven.

Meanwhile, Cignal libero Dawn Catindig anchored the floor with 28 excellent digs, a massive effort that helped stabilize the Super Spikers during Creamline’s big swings.

The win pushed both squads to matching 5-3 records, and quite possibly toward a high-stakes quarterfinal rematch. If Tuesday’s duel was any indication, fans better brace themselves. The next chapter promises to be even more explosive.