By MARK REY MONTEJO
Cignal found ways to defuse Marina Tushova’s 50-point explosion and halted Capital1’s reverse sweep attempt via a pulse-pounding 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25,15-12 win, to book its semifinal ticket in the PVL Reinforced Conference at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Saturday, Aug. 24.
As expected, MJ Perez delivered the goods with Ria Meneses at her back for the HD Spikers after firing six out of her 34 points in the final set, which put Tushova’s new scoring record of 50 and the Solar Spikers gallant resurgence in waste in their almost 3-hour collision.
The Russian power hitter rallied Capital1, which reached its highest finish in its second conference, to force an extended affair after trailing two sets while also eclipsing her 49-point mark which she tallied against the Nxled Chameleons two weeks ago.
Perez, an Olympian for Venezuela in 2008 Beijing Games, was nothing but praises for Tushova’s exceptional talent, noting it was hard to face her alone so they must trust each other.
“It’s very challenging, Marina Tushova is a great player, she’s good and very smart. Of course, in my position as an import I have to bounce back every time, so it was hard,” Tushova stressed.
“I keep [being] positive because we have a good team, this is all about teamwork,” she added.
But Perez didn’t want to waste her squad’s stellar performances in the prelims and imposed her will, delivering when it mattered the most after Cignal wasted its 2-set lead.
Meneses, who was shouldering the HD Spikers in set No. 2, impressed with her conference high of 21 points off 13 attacks, seven blocks and an ace. Ces Molina added 16 while Gel Cayuna put up seven points and 21 excellent sets.
For their semifinal battle Thursday, Aug. 29, the Shaq Delos Santos-mentored group will challenge the winner between Creamline and Petro Gazz which both collide Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Also pivotal for the Solar Spikers’ overturn were Jorelle Singh who poured 12 markers while Iris Tolenada tallied seven points and 19 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, Akari overcame its first-set hiccup and turned back Farm Fresh, 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, to secure the second semifinal berth in the import-laden competition,
Grethcel Soltones and Oluoma Okaro conspired for 34 points while Ivy Lacsina added 12 to anchor the Chargers. They will tussle either PLDT or Chery Tiggo in the semis.
Trisha Tubu topscored for the Foxies with 15 while Yeny Murillo and Caitlin Viray backstopped her with 12 apiece in a losing cause.
