MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers easily punched its way to the semifinals of the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference via its 25-14, 25-9, 25-14 crushing of BaliPure Purest Water Defenders on Monday at the San Juan Arena.
Frances Xinia Molina spearheaded the offense with 12 points, including 11 attacks. Roselyn Doria chipped in 11 markers as the HD Spikers maintained their perfect run in the conference.
Marivic Meneses tallied four blocks for a nine-point production while Angeli Araneta and Rachel Ann Daquis put in eight and seven points, respectively, for the HD Spikers.
So overpowering were the HD Spikers that they produced 40 attack points against the Water Defenders’ 17-attack output and finished with nine blocks, seven more than their rivals.
The HD Spikers, which ended at 10th place during the 2021 PVL Open Conference, also pounced on the Purest Water Defenders faulty reception and scored six aces.
“I feel proud (of this team). What we have worked for is already bearing fruit,” said Cignal head coach Ceseal delos Santos. “But of course, we still have a lot to improve.”
Janine Marciano top-scored with five points, while Bacolodnon Patty Jane Orendain and Norielle Ipac added three points each for BaliPure, which will now be relegated to the consolation round.
Creamline Cool Smashers, meanwhile, also reached the Final Four with a 25-18, 25-14, 23-25, 25-19 beating of Chery Tiggo Crossovers in a rematch of last year’s finals.
After squandering its lead in the third set, the Cool Smashers engaged in a tight battle with the Crossovers in the fourth frame with the score tied at 16-all.
Creamline then scored nine of the next 12 points, sealed by Jeanette Panaga’s running attack, to complete its revenge on 2021 PVL Open Conference finals tormentor Cherry Tiggo./PN
