By Kristel Satumbaga
Defending champion Cignal announced its title retention bid even as Instituto Estetico Manila took the solo lead after both bested separate rivals yesterday in the men’s division of the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.
The HD Spikers turned to the dynamic duo of Marck Espejo and Isay Marasigan in downing the Vice Co Blockbusters, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, while the Phoenix Volley Masters outhustled tough PLDT Spikers, 14-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12.
It was a hot start for Cignal with Espejo and Marasigan spearheading the squad in all departments to finish with 28 and 22 points, respectively.
Espejo, a five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player from Ateneo, and collegiate teammate Marasigan sizzled at the attack line with a combined 37 kills and provided cover at the net with eight blocks.
The tandem also teamed up for four service aces.
Meanwhile, IEM clinched its second straight win for the solo lead behind the efforts of Greg Dolor, Jeffrey Jimenez and Mark Enciso.
Dolor, a former FEU stalwart, fired 22 points built on 20 hits and two aces, even as Jimenez and Enciso chipped in 14 points apiece.
