After a disappointing outing last Sunday, the Cignal HD Spikers regained momentum as they tormented the Lady Altas-powered Amy’s Spikers, 14-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-14, in the second round of the 2016 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the De La Salle University Lipa Sentrum.
Flat-footed, Cignal succumbed to an early deficit in the opening set. The young Spikers pounced and amassed a 23-12 lead to put the first set out of doubt.
“Tinanong ko sa kanila kung alam ba nila ‘yung salitang pride,” said Cignal head coach Sammy Acaylar when asked about his huddle after the first set. “Um-oo naman sila kaya sabi ko ipakita naman nila. Walang-wala kami sa laro dapat at this point hindi na nangyayari sa amin ‘yun.”
His team responded decisively, sprinting and diving to keep points alive. With more chances to score, Cignal overwhelmed their foes in each of the following three sets. The HD Spikers even raced to a 20-8 lead in the fourth frame to seal their win.
Amy’s 35 errors greatly helped the HD Spikers, who only surrendered 22. Former UAAP MVP Cherry May Vivas led a balanced HD Spikers attack with 10 points, while Janine Navarro, Jeanette Panaga, and Mela Tunay each provided nine markers.
“Ganitong effort ang hinahanap mo sa kanila – ‘yung pinakita nila noong dulo ng laban. Marami kaming natutunan as a team sa mga talo namin this season na pinilit talaga kami bumalik sa basics,” remarked Acyalar.
Cignal now have a 1-1 record in the second round, where they are grouped in the loser’s bracket, where fifth place is up for grabs.
“Kailangan maglaro pa rin kami every game para manalo. Kahit na fifth place na lang ang pinaglalabanan namin, hindi pwedeng dadapa na lang kami sa mga huling game namin.”
Amy’s team captain Cindy Imbo tallied a game-high 12 points, while Jowie Versoza added nine.
Since joining the league in the Invitational Cup a few months ago as the New San Jose Builders, the franchise has yet to win a PSL match.
The Score
Cignal (3) – Vivas 10, Navarro 9, Panaga 9, Tunay 9, Laborte 7, Cheng 6, Aguilar 2, Mandapat 2, Berte 0, Llagoso 0, Hingpit 0, Dionela (L), Cortel (L)
Amy’s Kitchen (1) – Imbo 12, Versoza 9, Lara 8, Bravo 5, Clemente 5, Reterta 5, Gual 1, Rosal 1, Umandal 0, Medalla (L), Gayo (L)
