By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Cignal HD Spikers showed no mercy to sister team PLDT High Speed Hitters with a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 sweep at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night, July 20.
Frances Xinia Molina top-scored with 17 hits while Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga added 11 attack points to end up with 12 markers as the HD Spikers improved to 1-1 in the standings.
Roselyn Doria came up with three blocks on her way to a 10-point showing, while Gel Cayuna continued her accurate ball distribution as she ended up with 15 excellent sets and four points for Cignal HD.
HD Spikers head coach Ceseal delos Santos said, despite the straight set triumph, there are still things that needed to be fixed for his squad as they aim to make a run for the championship.
“We still have lapses but the good thing was we were able to win [against the High Speed Hitters] in three [sets],” Delos Santos said in a post-game interview.
“We’re so thankful, we’re so blessed,” the coach said.
Ilongga Fiola Ceballos tallied eight points, while Michelle Morente, Honey Royce Tubino and Mika Reyes added seven points each as the High Speed Hitters dropped to a 0-2 record.
In the other semis game, Creamline Cool Smashers leaned on Alyssa Valdez’s vintage performance to score a 12-25, 25-13, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7 victory over F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
Valdez finished the game with a conference-best 17 points, on 16 attacks and a service ace, as the defending champions Cool Smashers moved up to 2-0 in the single-round robin semifinals.
“I missed playing in the semis, it’s been a while,” Valdez, who had her best game for the Cool Smashers since suffering a knee injury last December, said.
“Honestly, we knew F2 would give us a good fight and we also gave it to them,” she added.
Jessica Galanza top-scored for Creamline with 20 points, Diana Carlos and Celine Domingo added 19 and 16 markers, respectively, while Julia Morado-De Guzman went on to finish with 21 excellent sets and two points./ASC, WDJ