MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers squandered a two-set advantage before pulling off a 25-19, 36-34, 16-25, 22-25, 15-12 escape over Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals on Saturday night at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Marivic Meneses finished with a conference high of 21 points, including seven blocks, to each of the Player of the Game honors as the HD Spikers moved on to the semifinals round.
“Prepared naman kami na pumunta dito, siguro nagkulang kasi ‘yung third and fourth set nakuha ng Capital1, pero hindi namin pinabayaan ‘yung pinaghirapan namin,” Meneses said.
“Everyday naman sinasabi sa amin ng coaches na huwag namin sayangin ‘yung pinaghirapan namin, kasi itong laban na ito, its either mag-advance kami or uuwi kami kaya wala na kaming itinira for this game,” she added.
MJ Perez top-scored for the HD Spikers with 34 points to go with 15 excellent receptions, while Frances Xinia Molina contributed 16 markers in the tightly contested win.
After failing to close out the Solar Spikers in the third and fourth sets, the HD Spikers were engaged in a tight battle in the fifth frame before they surged to a 13-10 lead behind attacks by Perez.
The Solar Spikers made their last push courtesy of Marina Tushova to cut the deficit to 12-13, but the HD Spikers got a drop ball from Perez and a block from Jackie Acuña to seal the win.
Tushova finished with a new PVL scoring record of 50 points, but it was not enough to help the Solar Spikers reach the semifinal round. Jorelle Singh provided strong support for Tushova with 12 points.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Chargers clawed back from a set down to eliminate Farm Fresh Foxies, 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, in the other knockout quarterfinals match.
Gretchel Soltones tallied 16 points, including 15 attacks and a service ace, as the Power Chargers reached the semifinals round against either the PLDT High Speed Hitters and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers./PN
