Following a tight encounter in the first two sets, Cignal ran away in the third to escape Est Cola via sweep, 25-23, 27-25, 25-12, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The HD Spikers solidified their bid to secure one of the top two spots, momentarily tying reigning champion Kurashiki at the top seat with identical 2-0 records.
“Syempre una, happy and proud sa team namin. Thankful kasi napanalo namin and I think naka-adjust na rin ‘yung mga bata [Est Cola] kahit papaano dito sa atin and sa laro nila,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
“Kami naman, I know na pagod din, talagang nag-eeffort talaga ‘yung team para mapag-perform nang maayos. I’m so happy na binibigay nila ‘yung best nila and thankful kasi no injuries,” added the veteran tactician.
(c) PVL Images
MJ Perez was a force for the HD Spikers against the youth-laden Est Cola side, flexing her might with 28 big points on 23 attacks and five huge blocks. She also had nine excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
Ces Molina was the second-leading scorer for the HD Spikers with 12 points, 10 of which came from attacks laced with 12 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Chin Basas had eight markers.
Gel Cayuna tossed 19 excellent sets to go along with six points to orchestrate the win.
Est Cola showed a lot of promise in the first and second frames, but Perez proved to be too much. She powered Cignal to a hard-fought 2-0 set lead.
From there, the HD Spikers ran away en route to a one-hour, 22-minute victory.
(c) PVL Images
Cignal will put its clean slate at stake when it faces off against fellow unbeaten squad Cool Smashers tomorrow, Monday, 6:00 PM at the same venue.
On the other hand, Est Cola is now hanging by a thread after suffering their third consecutive loss in as many outings.
Warisara Seetaloed was the lone double-digit scorer for the Thai squad with 17 points to go along with 10 excellent receptions.
Est Cola will take on fellow winless squad Farm Fresh also tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
