Cignal on a roll in Superliga, faces UVC today

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal joined the ranks of the hottest teams in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix as it streaked to its third straight triumph with a 19-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-19 dispatching of Generika Ayala Tuesday night at Filoil Flying V Center.

Imports Erica Wilson and Ana Artemeva delivered 21 and 18 points, respectively, while Mylene Paat (12 attacks, one block) and Ranya Musa (six blocks, three attacks, one ace) made big contributions as the HD Spikers sustained their winning ways and improved to 3-1 to stay within range of unbeaten leaders Petron (3-0) and F2 Logistics (3-0).

The Lifesavers, who were paced by new Thai import Som Kuthaisong’s 13 points, 10 digs and 14 receptions, fell to 0-4.

Cignal coach Edgar Barroga said the squad is reaping the fruits of its rotational tweak following its loss to F2 in its first outing.

“I made some adjustments and new rotations to match the firepower of the imports of the opposing team,” said Barroga, who moved Azerbaijani Artemeva to the open spiker spot while Paat took up the cudgels at the opposite.

“Fortunately for us, that adjustment is paying off. We have more firepower at the wings while our team captain – Rachel (Anne Daquis) – is coming off the bench and will be fresh for the tough grind ahead.” 

The HD Spikers seek to keep their roll going tonight against United Volleyball Club (1-2), which pushed F2 to the limit before yielding a four-set defeat Tuesday.

Barroga braces for a tough outing against UVC, which is powered by US NCAA standouts in Kalei Mau, Alohi Robbins-Hardy, Tai Manu-Olevao and Yasmeen Bedart-Ghani.

“They have the firepower to beat any team. So we have to do our very best to counter their offense,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the Blaze Spikers and the Cargo also try to extend their respective runs to four games facing separate opponents today at the San Juan venue.