Cignal KOs Foton in SLiga; UP in Collegiate finals

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal set a semifinal duel with unbeaten defending champion Petron after toppling higher-ranked Foton, 26-28, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, in last night’s Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference knockout quarterfinals at Filoil Flying V Center.

Rachel Ann Daquis and Mylene Paat took charge anew as the HD Spikers recovered from a slow start to beat the Tornadoes for the right to meet the Blaze Spikers in the Last-4 on Tuesday at Muntinlupa Sports Center.

“Kumpleto na kami kaya ang ganda ng kinalabasan, sa lahat ng aspect, napakita namin yung mga naensayo,” said Daquis, who punched in 21 attacks, two aces and one block plus 13 excellent receptions.

Paat, the other half of Cignal’s 1-2 punch, dished out an 18-hit, three-block, one-ace effort that went with 12 digs even as Royse Tubino contributed 13 to complement Daquis.

“Sobrang saya kasi lahat ng pinaghirapan at sakripisyo ng bawat isa sa ami nagbunga,” said Paat.

Mina Aganon (16 points, 17 digs and 10 excellent receptions), CJ Rosario (12) and Shaya Adorador (11), who came back after missing several games due to tooth infection, showed the way for a Foton crew that won six of its 10 elims assignment and took fourth seeding in quaterfinals despite the absence of stalwarts Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat and other injury problems.

Second ranked F2 Logistics claimed the last semis ticket after shellacking No. 7 Cocolife, 25-12, 25-22, 25-20.

The Cargo Movers meet No. 3 Generika-Ayala in the Last-4.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines stamped its class on De La Salle-Dasmariñas, 25-21, 25-12, 25-22, to take the first finals seat in the inaugural Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam yesterday.

The Lady Maroons, who were aiming for bounce back after a straight-set loss to Santo Tomas last time, dominated the Lady Patriots despite the absence of star Tots Carlos and committing a whopping 33 errors. 

Caryl Sandoval posted 11 and Jessma Ramos and Nicole Magsarile delivered eight apiece as the Lady Maroons ended their elims campaign with 4-1 and a guaranteed spot in the gold medal match, where they’re  likely to face the idle Tigresses (3-0), who need only one more win in their last two outings to advance.