Cignal HD Spikers in a PVL All-Filipino Conference game against Capital1 Spikers. -PVL PHOTO
Cignal stopped a two-game skid by shutting down Capital1, 25-12, 25-15, 25-17, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The HD Spikers rediscovered their winning ways and improved to a 6-3 record similar to PLDT but moved up to No. 3 by virtue of points.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Proud of the team. We’re maximizing our players, their strengths, and especially these two beside me who are really working hard in training,” coach Shaq Delos Santos said.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025
He was referring to the pairing of Ishie Lalongisip and Judith Abil, who shone after producing 13 points for Cignal.
Article continues after this advertisement
“[My motivation was] just to score. That was also what was lacking in the last game—only the open hitters were scoring, and our utility side wasn’t contributing. So coach also said that we need to help the team in the game,” Abil said.
“I’m just embracing the role that coach Shaq gave me. The pressure is always there, but I take it positively. Every day in training, I just keep pushing through, even when I’m exhausted, because I know that at the end of the day, I’m learning something from our practice,” Lalongisip said.
READ: PVL: Cignal rookie Ishie Lalongisip showing her worth
Rose Doria-Aquino also helped with 11 points as Gel Cayuna distributed the ball well with 13 excellent sets.
Cignal had no intentions of prolonging the night, leaving the Solar Spikers early in the final set using a 5-0 run, 12-6 and continued battering Capital1 to 16-7.
The losing side had a sudden surge of energy that was evident in longer rallies as the Solar Spikers even managed to cut the deficit to 21-14.
Chamberlaine Cunada pushed Cignal to match point as Trisha Genesis and Shola Alvarez scored back-to-back points for 24-17 before Rovie Instrella’s service error wrapped up the one hour and 22 minute contest.
No one Capital1 had much effect with Genesis and Leila Cruz top scoring the Solar Spikers with only six points apiece as they lost for a fifth straight time to a sorry 1-8 card.
Cignal1 battles ZUS Coffee next on Feb. 13 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium while Capital1 tries to find a breakthrough win to somehow arrest the slide with Farm Fresh next on Feb. 18 also at PhilSports Arena.
