The Cignal HD Spikers took the first step to the Invitational crown after drubbing the Petron Blaze Spikers in four sets, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-19, to start the final round at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After splitting the first two sets, the HD Spikers exploited Petron’s offense and spotty reception. A string of Blaze Spiker errors buoyed the HD Spikers to an insurmountable 15-8 lead in the third set. Seeing the finish line, the HD Spikers amped up the aggressiveness and were rewarded with a 23-16 lead in the final frame.
“Nagpakita ‘yung mga players ko kanina ng focus. Alam kasi nila kung saan kami nagkulang against Cignal noong first round kaya ‘yun talaga ‘yung pinag-focusan naman. Thankful ako na nakapag-execute sila,” said Cignal head coach George Pascua, referring to their five-set defeat in the elimination round to Petron, their only setback of the season.
Jovielyn Gonzaga led all scorers with 16 points, while veteran Rachel Ann Daquis added 15 for the HD Spikers.
Cignal continue their Finals push tomorrow at the FilOil Flying V Centre, facing the Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa University.
Carmela Tunay led Petron off-the-bench with 10 points. The Blaze Spikers were severely hampered by their 31 errors and measly 38 attacks.
Petron (0-1) take on Foton (0-0) also tomorrow.
The Scores
Cignal (3) – Gonzaga 16, Daquis 15, Morada 9, Tubino 7, Vivas 6, Mercado 6, Delos Santos 3, Saet 2, Macatuno 0, Marciano 0, Paat 0, Dionela (L)
Petron (1) – Tunay 10, Aganon 8, Molina 8, Rosario 8, Pontillas 7, Reyes 7, Dimaculangan 3, Hingpit 3, Pineda 2, Zapanta 1, Dusaran (L)
