After a disappointing start to the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix second round, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers rebounded with a decisive win over the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lifesavers were dominant throughout, keeping the HD Spikers at bay at crucial points of the match. Generika came away with a 10-4 lead in aces and a 40-32 edge in attacks.
Generika head coach Sherwin Meneses admitted that his team was relieved to finally get a win in straight sets, as they have figured in six five-setters this tournament.
“Simple lang ‘yung yesterday na training namin, magaan lang. Medyo nag-enjoy kami kasi sobrang dikit ng mga games. Nag-usap-usap lang, tapos kaunting basic,” said Meneses.
“Napag-usapan namin [na] six five sets na kami, kaya pwede namin matalo kahit sino, pero depende sa lalaruin namin. Naging maganda ‘yung basic service receive namin,” he added.
Thai import Som Kuthaisong and veteran winger Fiolla Ceballos each tallied 14 points for Generika. Kseniya Kocyigit managed 12 markers.
Erica Wilson and Mylene Paat provided 11 markers, each.
Generika-Ayala (2-7) take on United VC (4-3) next Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. On the other hand, Cignal HD (5-4) will face the Petron Blaze Spikers (8-0) on Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The Scores
Generika-Ayala (3) – Ceballos 14, Kuthaisong 14, Kocyigit 12, Meneses 9, Lopez 4, Araneta 2, Hingpit 1, Lavitoria 1, Orendain 0, General (L)
Cignal HD (0) – Paat 11, Wilson 11, Artameva 5, Daquis 4, Navarro 3, Musa 1, Salamagos 1, Aguilar 0, Cardiente 0, Dionela (L)