The Cignal HD Spikers bucked a slow start to punch their first win in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at the expense of the Cherrylume-University of the East Iron Lady Warriors, 19-25, 26-24, 25-21, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After dropping the first set and nearly allowing the second to slip, HD Spikers head coach Edgar Barroga rued his team’s lack of desire.
“Nagulat ako sa naging attitude nila sa loob ng court. Nagulat sila eh. Nanibago kami. ‘Yung attitude nila, parang ‘di sila palaban kanina,” he shared.
The HD Spikers fared better in the last two sets. Cignal quickly built a 15-10 lead in the third set to cruise to a 2-1 lead. Staring down a 4-8 deficit in the fourth frame, the HD Spikers leaned on veterans Rachel Daquis and Mylene Paat to respond and clinch the win.
Barroga added that he had urged his team to display their veteran poise against their much young foes.
“Sabi ko na magkaroon sila ng pride. Kahit matagal na magkakasama ‘yung kalaban nila, as veteran, kailangan maging consistent nila,” closed Barroga.
Paat finished with 20 points, while Daquis added 14 markers and 12 excellent receptions.
Mary Anne Mendrez topped the Lady Warriors with 18 points, while Judith Abil added 14 markers.
The HD Spikers (1-0) take on the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters (1-0) on Thursday at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite. UE (0-2) face the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (0-1) on July 7.
The Scores
Cignal HD (3) – Paat 20, Daquis 14, Salamagos 7, Tubiera 6, Navarro 4, Vivas 4, Aguilar 3, Macatuno 2, Miralles 2, Sante 2, Masangkay 1, Dionela (L)
Cherrylume-UE (1) – Mendrez 18, Abil 14, Catindig 3, Gabrada 3, Alcayde 2, Olarve 2, Clavano 1, Lopez 1, Santos 1, Ramos 0, Sta. Maria 0, Babol (L)
