The Philippine Army Troopers were on a high after stunning the Philippine Air Force Airmen in five sets last Sunday. However, the mighty Cignal HD Spikers made sure to send them crashing back down, crushing Army in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-17, Wednesday morning in the Filoil Flying V Centre.
According to Cignal head coach Oliver Almadro, Cignal’s dominant outing was a result of their good preparation specifically against Army.
“For the past few games kasi ng Army, maganda nilalaro nila so we really prepared for them. Kahit dumidikit yung Army yung resiliency andun pa rin kasi they know what to do kasi nag-prepare talaga sila ng mabuti for the Army,” Almadro said.
Cignal took home all sets and did not allow Army to gain any ounce of momentum.
National University-standout Peter Torres led the way with 12 points, while Saku Capate added 10. Aside from their solid offense, Cignal’s defense was also noteworthy. Sandy Montero tallied 18 excellent digs.
“Yung libero ko ngayon, sobrang ganda ng nilaro. So malaking bagay kapag yung libero mo nagde-deliver eh, si Sandy Montero,” added the multi-time champion mentor.
With three of their players being called up for National Team duties, the second stringers from Cignal are geared to step up.
“[Mark Gil] Alfafara, [Bonjomar] Castel and [Herschel] Ramos, [mag nanational team] kaya slowly iniinject na namin yung second stringers para at least they are always ready,” the Cignal mentored shared.
Manuel Medina and Romnick Rico paced the Army with 10 and 9 points respectively.
Army will face Sta. Elena next, while Cignal will go against Gamboa Coffee on July 16. – BY: Danine Cruz
The Scores:
Cignal (3) – Torres 12, Capate 10, Alfafara 9, Marasigan 9, Intal 8, Bonono 3, Villanueva 1, Mangulabnan 1, Ramos 1, Faytaren 1, Diezmo 0, Castel 0, Ramos 0, Montero (L)
Army (0) – Medina 10, Rico 9, Sumagaysay 6, Labide 5, Tajanlangit 3, Torres 3, Barrica 2, Reyes 1, Abdulmajid 1, Carodan 1, Depamaylo 0, Bayking (L), Uy (L)
