By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Cignal HD Spikers overcame a third set meltdown to score a 25-17, 25-17, 24-26, 25-11 victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, November 7.

Rookie Vanessa Gandler had another impressive showing as she finished with 14 points to lead the HD Spikers, which improved to a 4-2 record with their third consecutive victory.

According to the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout, the victory against the Highrisers was vital for the HD Spikers as they aim for a Top 4 seed in the playoffs.

“We are halfway through the elimination round, and this victory is a huge confidence boost for us,” Gandler said.

“But we have more to work on and move forward to the next game,” she added.

After handily beating the Galeries Tower in the first two sets, the HD Spikers encountered a challenge in the third set as the Highrisers went to escape with a 26-24 win to stay alive.

The HD Spikers bounced back in the fourth set with a strong start behind Gandler, Frances Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga for a quick double-digit lead and never looked back.

Meanwhile, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers overcame a tough challenge from the Farm Fresh Foxies for a 28-26, 20-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-8 victory and snapped their losing skid in the PVL’s season-ending conference.

Jolina dela Cruz posted a triple-double of 27 points, 10 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, while Ivy Lacsina chipped in 27 markers as the Cargo Movers improved to a 3-2 win-loss slate.

Trisha Tubu finished with a career-high of 30 points, including 28 attacks, to go with 12 excellent digs. Kate Santiago added 14 points and eight excellent receptions, while Negrense Alyssa Bertolano had 10 points as the Foxies dropped to 0-7.

In the other match, Deanna Wong displayed her efficient ball distribution with 20 excellent sets as the Choco Mucho Flying Titans prevailed over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-11, 25-20, 25-19./ASC, WDJ