Cignal returned to its winning ways after a swift dismantling of Strong Group Athletics, 25-7, 25-16, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Tuesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The HD Spikers notched their fourth win, as they buried hapless Strong Group at the bottom of the barrel in only 71 minutes of action.
Top setter Gel Cayuna drew strength from their loss against Choco Mucho in their previous game when she orchestrated Cignal’s offense with 21 excellent sets along with five points off two attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
“I drew strength from our loss in our last game. During our preparation Coach [Shaq Delos Santos] really helped me in setting [up my teammates] and in decision making,” Cayuna said.
SGA attempted to trade blows with the HD Spikers in the third set but Vannie Gandler and Ces Molina released a barrage of attacks to hold off the neophyte team from taking their first-ever lead of the game.
Gandler finished with 16 points in an efficient 14-of-28 attacking clip while Molina contributed 14 markers. Top libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig displayed her defensive prowess with 12 digs and six excellent receptions for Cignal
HD Spikers started the 2nd set with multiple errors, which SGA tried to use to their advantage but fell short as the former patched their faulty defense to close out the second frame with a 9-point lead.
Cignal established their dominance early in the first set with a 10-1 run to build a huge 21-5 lead before wrapping up the frame in 21 minutes.
For Delos Santos, the adjustment and preparation started with accepting their shortcomings that led to their loss against the Flying Titans.
“We’re good with our blockings and floor defense. We’re okay with our service too. What became our problem are our attacks,” Delos Santos said.
“The percentage is bad. We accepted it whole, and if you see earlier, we had to be all out with our attacks,” he continued.
SGA remained winless in five outings. No SGA player reached double figures with Sheeka Espinosa scoring eight.
The HD Spikers will have a week to prepare against defending champion Creamline next Tuesday.
