Cignal shook off a wobbly start and took control from the second set onwards, overpowering an undermanned ZUS Coffee squad, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, to keep its slim bronze medal hopes in the PVL Invitational Conference on Monday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The much-needed win snapped a two-game skid for the HD Spikers in the Invitational – and a 0-3 card overall – and gave them their first victory in the prelims. More importantly, it reignited their campaign for a podium finish after a five-set setback to the Creamline Cool Smashers and a shutout loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

Anchoring Cignal’s resurgence was libero Dawn Catindig, who delivered an impressive performance with 18 excellent digs and 15 receptions.

“It was a team effort – everyone really wanted to bounce back and win,” said Catindig in Filipino, reflecting on their rough start. “When we play like this, each player’s role becomes easier.”

“I’m proud of the team for getting back on track,” added the Alas Pilipinas standout.

Cignal’s one-hour, 49-minute triumph also formalized PLDT’s march to the Finals, with the High Speed Hitters clinching the first berth with an unblemished 4-0 record after surviving the Kobe Shinwa University side in three earlier. The win was PLDT’s third straight in the Invitational, adding to its semifinal victory over Creamline in the PVL On Tour, which they dominated en route to their first championship.

But Monday night belonged to a resurgent Cignal side that finally found its rhythm after stumbling in the opening set.

Stunned by the short-handed Thunderbelles early on, the HD Spikers regrouped and returned with renewed purpose in the second frame. With a more cohesive attack, tighter floor defense and superior firepower, Cignal imposed its will in the succeeding sets, showcasing the depth and experience that had been missing in its earlier losses.

Providing a much-needed morale boost for the HD Spikers was the return of Alas Pilipinas mainstays Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig. While Gandler saw limited action, Catindig stepped into a starring role on defense. Their presence injected renewed energy and confidence into a team hungry for a turnaround.

The win was indeed a collective effort. After a shaky start, Cignal found offensive balance and stability, capitalizing on ZUS Coffee’s thin rotation. Despite the absence of several key players – including top outside hitter Chinnie Arroyo, veteran leader Jovelyn Gonzaga, rookie AC Miner, national team anchor Thea Gagate, and chief setter Cloanne Mondonedo – the Thunderbelles were spirited in the opening set.

Veterans Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Wielyn Estoque and playmaker Ney Mabilangan spearheaded a surprising Set 1 performance that saw ZUS Coffee control tempo and foil multiple Cignal rallies.

But once the HD Spikers settled into their game, they simply had too much depth and firepower for the shorthanded Thunderbelles to match.

Now at 1-3, Cignal remains in contention for the bronze, depending on the outcomes of the remaining matches. With momentum finally on their side and a full lineup nearing availability, the HD Spikers are eyeing another victory against the Kobe Shinwa side on Thursday to salvage their Invitational campaign.

Erika Santos sizzled with another standout performance, dropping 21 points to lead the HD Spikers to a dominant win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 62-51.

Ishie Lalongisip broke out of a scoring slump with a solid 13-point outing, while Tin Tiamzon and rookie Erin Pangilinan added 10 points apiece in a balanced offensive effort that overwhelmed the Thunderbelles.

ZUS Coffee, which fell to 0-2, drew 16 points from Troncoso and 14 markers from Santiago. Estoque and Riza Nogales chipped in a combined 14 points, but the Thunderbelles struggled to keep up offensively in the absence of contributions from their usual key scorers.