Cignal banked on its solid defensive effort to fashion out a quick 25-17, 25-14, 25-14 workout over Nxled to stay on course for a semifinals seat in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The HD Spikers flexed their muscle on floor and net defense to frustrate the Chameleons while raining fire on attacks to improve to a 7-3 win-loss record.

Cignal is now a win away from joining defending champion Creamline and Choco Mucho in the semis.

"The team really worked hard during training and it showed in this game. We are extra motivated coming into this game after that loss in the previous game. Good thing we're able to bounce back," Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos said, as he mentioned his wards' sorry five-set loss to Chery Tiggo.

"Very thankful for the win and now we're just one win away from securing a semis seat."

Jovelyn Gonzaga led the HD Spikers' assault with 12 points including nine attacks and three kill blocks and was active on floor defense with 10 digs and seven excellent receptions.

Roselyn Doria and Vanie Gandler had 12 markers each while skipper Ces Molina chipped in with 11 for Cignal, which got back on the winning track after seeing its five-game winning streak snapped last Tuesday.

The HD Spikers outgunned the Chameleons on attacks, 43-24, and had seven more blocks compared to their opponent with nine. Cignal also had 50 digs.

Cignal's victory, which hiked its earned match points to 22, officially eliminated Akari, which is playing Petro Gazz as of press time. The Chargers, who are holding a 5-4 card, would only reach 20 points even if they sweep their last two games.

Nxled absorbed its seventh loss in 10 games.

No Chameleon scored in double figures with May Luna, Camille Victoria and Lycha Ebon finishing with six each.