By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Cignal made short work of Akari with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-21 victory to secure the No. 3 seeding in the next phase in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
It was the third straight victory for the HD Spikers to hike their win-loss tally to 8-3, arranging them a meeting with the No. 10 team in the crossover phase the next round regardless of the outcome between Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo on Feb. 22 in Iloilo City.
Vanie Gandler spearheaded Cignal’s assault by pumping in 15 points including 14 attacks, while Roselyn Doria and Ishie Lalongisip provided enough reinforcements with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The HD Spikers overpowered the Chargers on the offensive front, attacking them on all angles with 47 kills, while also putting on a tough defensive wall at the net by managing six blocks.
Faith Nisperos tried to steer Akari by delivering 12 points, but her efforts were not enough as Cignal maintained its aggressive onslaught — big thanks to Gel Cayuna, who distributed the ball well with 19 excellent sets.
Dawn Catindig and Judith Abil also took over the HD Spikers’ floor defense, combining for 24 excellent digs.
Akari fell to its sixth loss against five wins to slip to seventh place.
