Despite a third set hiccup, Cignal still turned back ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-11, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Thursday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Ishie Lalongisip delivered a career-high 20 points from 18 attacks and two aces to power the HD Spikers to a 7-3 record, similar with Choco Mucho which survived Nxled earlier in the day, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-10.

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SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

“My motivation every day comes from thinking about all the hard work we put in during training,” Lalongisip said. “I don’t want to waste the effort and sacrifices of everyone, especially my teammates. I see how hard they work every day to win, so I draw strength from them too.”

Jackie Acuña provided 17 points, six coming from blocks, while Vanie Gandler added 14 points off 12 kills, a block and an ace with Gel Cayuna tossing 17 excellent sets.

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Dawn Macandili-CAtindig caught 24 excellent digs and Judith Abil 12.

READ; PVL: Ishie Lalongisip continues steady rise for Cignal

The Thunderbelles fought back in the third frame, leading, 23-17. The HD Spikers had the opportunity to come back, cutting the deficit to 24-21 before Santiago launched a kill down the line.

But it was all the strength that ZUS Coffee could muster as Cignal left it in the dust in the fourth, quickly cruising to a 20-9 edge before applying the finishing touches with a 5-0 run.

Jov Gonzaga paced ZUS Coffee with 14 attack points while Kate Santiago and Chai Troncoso contributed 11 points apiece with Cloanne Mondoñedo distributing 13 excellent sets. Troncoso also guarded the floor with 14 excellent digs.

The Thunderbelles suffered their sixth loss in 10 games.

Cignal aims to finish the preliminary round on a high note facing Akari on Feb. 18 at PhilSports Arena while ZUS Coffee battles PLDT for its last game on Feb. 22 in Iloilo.