By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Cignal HD Spikers displayed their dominance over newcomer Strong Group Athletics (SGA) for a 25-7, 25-16, 25-16 rout in PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Tuesday night, March 19.
Vanessa Gandler bounced back from a subpar showing with 16 points, while Frances Molina chipped in 14 markers, including a barrage of hits in the third set, as the HD Spikers improved to a 4-1 win-loss slate.
Molina made her presence felt quickly as she unloaded a series of powerful hits to create a separation from SGA in the third set.
The SGA tried to make a run, but Molina’s consecutive points allowed Cignal to wrap up the win.
“We really worked hard to minimize our errors,” HD Spikers setter Gel Cayuna said.
“Service receive is our primary focus, but we need to improve every aspect of our game,” she added.
Sheeka Espinosa scored eight points, while Joy Onofre, Dolly Verzosa, Justine Rebleza, and Souzan Raslan combined for 15 points for the SGA, which remained winless in five matches.
Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters regained their aggression in the fifth set for a 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-25, 15-13 victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans as they joined the HD Spikers and the Creamline Cool Smashers at 4-1.
Setter Kim Fajardo distributed the ball well to end up with 22 excellent sets to go with eight points, on four attacks, two blocks and two service aces, for the High Speed Hitters.
After failing to close out the Flying Titans in the third and fourth set, the High Speed Hitters opened the fifth frame with a slim 6-4 lead, but Choco Mucho forced a deadlock several times with last at 13-all on a Cherry Rondina connection.
The High Speed Hitters reached match point at 14-13 on a powerful hit from Negrense rookie Kiesha Bedonia before they secured the tough win on an attack error from Flying Titans’ Kat Tolentino.
Savannah Davison led the way for the High Speed Hitters with 21 points, on 18 attacks and three blocks, Erika Santos added 14 markers, while Bedonia delivered four points, all in the deciding set./ASC, WDJ