By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cignal drew inspired games from Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catintig and beat Galeries, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19, in what could be a statement victory on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite the departure of key players Ces Molina and Riri Meneses after the holiday break, the HD Spikers still displayed the same fire, cohesion and depth to notch their fifth win in six games.
Gandler put on a solid an all-around game to finish with 17 points built on 13 points, three aces and one block while Catindig, installed as the new skipper, took charge of the floor defense and produced 19 digs and four receptions.
“We just wanted to apply what we have been doing during training and we just tried to enjoy the game,” said Catindig in Filipino.
“I’m really happy with this win because everyone stepped up. It was a total team effort,” she added.
The HD Spikers, indeed, were in control for most parts of the game, particularly in the second set, where they raced to a 5-0 lead.
But the Highrisers refused to be cowed, keeping the game close in the third set with attacks from Ysa Jimenez and Julia Coronel, before the HD Spikers put up a solid defense anchored on Gandler and Jacqueline Acuna.
Roselyn Doria, Rochelle Lalongisip and Acuna chipped in nine points apiece for Cignal, whose defense limited all Galeries Tower players to single-digit production.
Jimenez and Coronel could only score eight points each, including a combined 14 kills, while Jho Maraguinot and Roselle Baliton scored a meager five points apiece.
The Highrisers absorbed their second straight loss for a 1-6 record.
Meanwhile, Creamline flexed its might and swept Capital1, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, to remain unscathed in five games.
Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos led the offensive assault for the Cool Smashers by conspiring for 18 kills to finish with 12 and 10 points, respectively, as everybody contributed a little of everything in the one-hour, 27-minute affair.
The victory spoiled the debut appearance of new recruit Trisha Genesis, who was the lone bright spot for the Solar Spikers with 10 points.
Creamline overpowered Capital1 in all departments, particularly in attacks, 41-34, and blocks, 8-2. The Cool Smashers also posted more aces with six with the Solar Spikers’ only three.
The loss kept Capital1 near the cellar as it absorbed its fifth defeat in six games.