Cignal snapped its two-game skid at the expense of Akari, 25-23, 25-20, 25-14 to enter the win column of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rachel Daquis and Rose Doria helped the HD Spikers chalk up their first win after losing two straight games via sweep against Chery Tiggo and Creamline, respectively.
The former had 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks to go along with seven excellent receptions while the latter chipped in nine points to push their team to 1-2 in the standings.
Gel Cayuna, meanwhile, steered the offense with 21 excellent sets laced with four points and eight excellent digs.
“Sobrang proud and happy kasi slowly nakakabalik din kami doon sa galaw namin and sa performance namin. Hopefully ito na yung sign talaga na magtuluy-tuloy ulit,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
“Nakaka-proud yung team dahil sa everyday na training namin before nitong game na ‘to, nakita namin yung progression. And yun nga, slowly bumabalik yung kumpyansa nila sa sarili nila,” he added.
After taking the first two sets, the HD Spikers stepped on the gas in the third frame. They led by as much as 11 points, 21-10, after Chin Basas nailed a crosscourt hit.
The Chargers never recovered from there, exchanging points with Cignal before Ezra Madrigal committed a service error which ended the match.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat once again led Akari in scoring with 11 points built on 10 attacks. Janine Marciano added 11 points.
The Chargers have not won a set and are currently on a three-game losing streak.
Cignal will look to sustain its momentum when they take on Petro Gazz on Saturday, 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, Akari will try to bag its first win against Army-Black Mamba on Tuesday, also at 4:00 PM. Both games will be played at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
