Cignal rebounds with quick work of Strong Group
Cignal HD Spikers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Cignal outclassed rookie team Strong Group, 25-7, 25-16, 25-16, to bounce back from a stunning loss in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Coming off a straight-sets defeat to Choco Mucho on Thursday, Gel Cayuna powered the HD Spikers with 21 excellent sets on top of five points to help Cignal form a three-way tie with top teams Petro Gazz and Creamline at 4-1.
Both delivering a lackluster performance against the Flying Titans, Vanie Gandler and Ces Molina, who got all of her points from attacks, returned to their usual forms and finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos and Gel Cayuna share their thoughts after beating SGA. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/48PIVPbV1W
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“Happy [with the win] kasi yun yung kailangan naming solution para maka-recover ulit kami,” Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos said. “Proud sa buong team kasi trinabaho talaga namin tong laro na to.”
“Talagang sabi ko nga kanina bago mag-start, importante ‘tong game namin kasi kung ano yung pinaghandaan namin sa training dapat ma-execute namin maayos [today],” he added.
Gandler added an ace and two blocks like Riri Meneses, who contributed eights points including two aces as well.
After a listless performance in the first two sets, Strong Group tried to extend the match by keeping in step with Cignal at 6-all before the HD Spikers pulled away thanks to a 6-0 run.
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“Pinanghuhugutan din namin yung last game namin na natalo kami. Sa ilang araw na binigay sa amin na preparation, talagang si coach Shaq, tinutukan niya ako about setting at decision-making,” Cayuna said.
Strong Group shot itself in the foot with 17 errors including a poor service by Sheeka Espinosa gave Cignal the victory.
Cignal proved too much for the Athletics after a commanding 75-39 edge on attacks. Strong Group suffered its fifth consecutive loss in its maiden conference.
Despite the bounce-back win, Cayuna knows the HD Spikers need to improve more to reach their goal.
“Kulang pa, siyempre, kailangan pang magtrabaho ulit para sa next game,” she added.
The HD Spikers also had a 53-30 advantage on digs and the upper hand with 22-5 sets courtesy of Cayuna.
Cignal faces another powerhouse in Creamline next on March 26 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City while Strong Group hopes to change its fortune against Galeries Tower on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
