After a sour loss in their debut match in the Philippine Superliga Invitational, the Cignal HD Spikers notched their first win at the expense of the New San Jose Builders Victorias 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Cignal fired on all cylinders to quickly dispose of their younger foes. The HD Spikers even resolved the service reception problem that had plagued them last Tuesday. Even if the Victorias put up a better fight than in previous matches, they still could not generate the finishing push needed to take a set.
NCAA Finals MVP Jeanette Panaga dominated her middle hitter matchup for Cignal, tallying 16 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks, and three aces. Panaga’s Benilde teammate, Janine Navarro, managed 11 markers off eight attacks, a block, and two aces.
“Sabi ko sa lang mga players ko na kailangan na maghanap ng motivation sa kanila. Hindi pwedeng kami lang ang laging nagmomotivate sa kanila. ‘Yun ‘yung naging problema namin noong Sunday. Pero kahit ngayong nanalo na kami, kailangan pa rin namin mag-improve for our next matches,” said Cignal head coach Sammy Acaylar.
The New San Jose Builders pulled significant contributions from open hitter Jamela Suyat, who delivered 11 points with eight attacks and three blocks. Struggling with their reception, the Victorias could not set to their star middle hitters, Coleen Bravo and Lourdes Clemente, who combined for just seven points.
Acaylar, who coaches New San Jose’s players in the NCAA for the University of Perpetual Help System – Dalta, was delighted seeing his wards getting experience despite not getting a win.
“The school is very proud of them kasi makikita mo na iba na ang ginagalw nila ngayon kumpara dati. Mas confident na wala nang alinlangan sa paggalaw,” Acaylar said.
Cignal, now at 1-1, will take on the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (3-2) on Saturday when the PSL heads to Batangas. New San Jose (0-5) will face the Petron Tri-Activ Spikers (2-0) on the same day and venue.
The Scores
Cignal (3) – Panaga 16, Navarro 11, Gallenero 9, Laborte 7, Vivas 4, Hingpit 3, Manadapat 2, Llagoso 0, Aguilar 0, Austero 0, Berte 0, Dionel (L), Enclona (L)
New San Jose (0) – Suyat 11, Lara 8, Bravo 5, Imbo 4, Clemente 2, Gual 1, Versoza 0, Cabriana 0, Yumul 0, Medalla 0, Rosal 0, Condada (L), Gayo (L)
