Cignal ended its losing streak by defeating Akari with a score of 25-18, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20 in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After a victory against PLDT in their debut, the HD Spikers suffered consecutive losses to Creamline and Choco Mucho. However, they managed to fend off the Chargers, who had just secured their first back-to-back wins in franchise history, improving their record to 2-2 in the standings.
“Grabe before ng game na ‘to grabe pinagdaanan namin. Ang dami naming sinacrifice and alam naman namin kung ano yung pwede naming magawa. Hopefully, sa mga susunod naming games mas maging ok pa yung performance namin,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos.
With the Chargers attempting to force a deciding set, Rose Doria and Vanie Gandler orchestrated a 4-0 run, turning a narrow 17-16 lead into a 21-16 advantage, securing their victory in the fourth set.
Akari had no opportunity to catch up, as Gandler and Riri Meneses applied the finishing touches to end the HD Spikers’ slump.
“Wala namang totally nag-bago mas nag-work hard lang kami sa training namin. Grabe talaga yung naging adjustment namin every training inaral din namin but yeah, para sa amin not enough yun sa nangyari,” added delos Santos.
Ces Molina and Gandler led Cignal with 14 points each in a match that lasted for two hours and five minutes. Molina also contributed 16 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Gandler recorded 14 excellent digs.
Meneses, on the other hand, registered four blocks and finished with nine points, while Chin Basas and Doria added seven and six points, respectively.
Gel Cayuna delivered 21 excellent sets along with three points.
Cignal will strive to maintain its momentum when it faces Farm Fresh on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, Akari dropped to a 3-2 record in the standings and was led by Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who scored 21 points. Erika Raagas contributed 16 points with 14 attacks and two blocks, while Faith Nisperos was limited to just 10 points.
The Chargers will seek to bounce back when they face Choco Mucho on November 11, Saturday, at 4:00 p.m., also at the Philsports Arena.
