HD Spikers defuse Power Hitters

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal stopped PLDT Home Fibr in its tracks with a straight-set 25-12, 25-21, 25-15 victory in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Mylene Paat stood at the forefront of their attack with 14 points built on 11 kills and three blocks while skipper Rachel Ann Daquis added 11 markers on 10 spikes and an ace as the HD Spikers notched a second straight win.

New setter Alohi Robins-Hardy once again displayed her fine playmaking skills with 20 excellent sets that went with five points, Daquis also had eight excellent receptions while libero Angelique Dionela provided floor defense with 12 digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Coming from an impressive four-set debut win over Sta. Lucia last Saturday, the HD Spikers asserted themselves right away and easily took the opening frame.

That first set romp set the tone of the match, with the HD Spikers also taking the next two sets with relative ease.

Cignal thus stayed within striking distance of perennial contender F2 (3-0) and reigning champion Petron (2-0) which were playing at press time.

As happy as head coach Edgar Barroga with their unblemished card, he said they would still need to improve to be at par with the favorites Blaze Spikers and Cargo Movers.

“We’re getting more confident with this second win. We’re adjusting well as seen in our play on the court,” said Barroga. “But we’re still learning. We’re still trying different combinations to find perfect court chemistry.”

Grethcel Soltones once again paced the Power Hitters with 11 points but lacked the needed support as they absorbed a second loss in four starts.

Aiko Urdas was the only other bright spot for the Power Hitters with 10 markers.