The Cignal HD Spikers. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA (UPDATED) – Cignal denied the chance of Kurashiki to retain its title in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

It will be the HD Spikers who will advance to the Finals after outlasting the defending champion in a five-set marathon, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11, on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

READ: PVL: Creamline clinches finals berth in Invitational Conference

Dawn Catindig showed her spectacular floor defense, listing a total of 27 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while import MJ Perez took care of the offense after leading all scorers with 36 points built mostly on attacks.

The star libero's performance didn't go unnoticed as Perez and coach Shaq delos Santos raved about Catindig's stellar defensive night.

"Of course, we want to win. We are so happy to get this win especially now that we have Dawn now. She brings huge contributions to the team," Perez said.

"So we’re lucky din and so blessed na we have an import [like MJ] and a libero… buti na lang nakahabol si Dawn. Napakalaki ng impact niya samin, grabe. Kahit ‘di na ako magsalita grabe ‘yung naging performance," Delos Santos said.

Clutch points from Perez and an attack error from Kurashiki's Yukino Yano completed the escape of the HD Spikers in the rubber set. But before that, it was Jackie Acuna who broke the deadlock from the 10-all mark.

Defeating the Japanese club is a huge morale boost, said Delos Santos.

"Imagine na pumasok kami ng finals ngayon and Japan pa ‘yung natalo namin. So for us, napakalaking impact nito and alam mo ‘yun, ‘yung confidence din namin na mas tumaas kasi nasa proseso talaga kami," he said.

They will face the grand slam-seeking Creamline on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

There's no letting this opportunity pass, Catindig asserted.

"Ako, dahil nga andito na kami, we have a chance to fight with Cignal in this conference, talagang iga-grab na namin 'yung opportunity. 'Di namin bibitawan 'to," she said.

The Ablaze, meanwhile, were relegated to the bronze medal match to face the young Est Cola squad.

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