Coming from a match marred with controversy, the Cignal HD Spikers earned redemption with a five-set win over the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, 26-24, 17-25, 25-22, 20-25, 17-15, in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Alonte Sports Center.
The HD Spikers survived two tense finishes to earn a 2-1 sets lead, before Generika-Ayala pounced in the fourth set. Locked in a tight decider, captain Rachel Daquis kept Cignal HD in contention, scoring each time Generika-Ayala gained an advantage in the deuce. Tied at 15, Daquis’ steady serves allowed the HD Spikers to get several chances. To end the match, Cignal’s grit showed, as Generika-Ayala open hitter Bang Pineda gave up an error before being stifled by a double block at the net to end the match.
Cignal head coach Edgar Barroga lauded his team’s determination coming from a devastating loss. Barroga had been ejected and saw his team crumble against Foton.
“Lumabas talaga ‘yung character ng team,” said Barroga.
“Pinakita nila na gusto talaga nilang bumawi. Today, we still showed na we have a lot to improve. Pero, I’m happy na lumabas ‘yung character namin,” the youthful mentor added.
National Team stalwart Mylene Paat led Cignal HD with a tournament-high 28 points while Daquis finished with 20. Cignal played without starting open hitter Royse Tubino who attended to her Army commitments.
The HD Spikers (2-2) faces Sta. Lucia (0-3) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Patty Orendain topped the Lifesavers with 23 points while captain Angeli Araneta managed 18.
The Lifesavers (0-3) continue their search for a first win against F2 Logistics (3-0) also on Tuesday.
The Scores
Cignal HD (3) – Paat 28, Daquis 20, Vivas 11, Salamagos 6, Doria 3, Malaluan 2, Navarro 2, Aguilar 0, Macatuno 0, Masangkay 0, Dionela (L)
Generika-Ayala (2) – Orendain 23, Araneta 18, Meneses 14, Pineda 8, Llagoso 7, Lopez 6, Hingpit 3, Ceballos 2, Cerveza 0, Espinosa 0, Lavitoria 0, Arado (L)
