BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – Cignal HD Spikers bucked the absence of several key players to dominate Akari Power Chargers, 25-22, 25-16, and 25-23, in a friendly game over the weekend at the Tamasak Arena here.
Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ilongga Glaudine Trongcoso took turns on the offensive end to lead the HD Spikers to a convincing win against the retooled Power Chargers.
Also making their contributions to the Ceseal delos Santos-mentored Cignal are Frances Molina, Marivic Meneses, Gel Cayuna, Gyzelle Sy, Toni Rose Basas, and Angelique Dionela.
Both teams traded leads in the opening set before the HD Spikers pulled away to a 25-22 win. Cignal went on with their momentum in the second frame to establish a quick lead before settling for a 25-16 triumph.
The Power Chargers still kept the match close at the onset of the third frame, but Gonzaga and Molina stepped up with timely conversions to secure a close 25-23 win for the HD Spikers.
The game also marked the first time that Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, and Dani Ravena have suited up for the Power Chargers since the offseason trade with their sister team, NxLed Chameleons.
Both squads missed some key players in the exhibition game — Vanessa Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig for the HD Spikers, and Faith Nisperos and Mereophe Sharma for the Power Chargers — due to their Alas Pilipinas commitment.
Power Chargers head coach Taka Minowa was also not present as he is with Alas Pilipinas U-18 Girls Volleyball Team in the 22nd Princess Cup Women’s U18 SEA Volleyball Championship in Thailand.
Gametime Sports founder Rodolfo Go Villaruz said they are thankful to the HD Spikers and the Power Chargers for agreeing to their invite to entertain the Ilonggo fans.
“We are thankful to both Cignal and Akari for agreeing to grace us here in Iloilo. I know they should be resting since it’s offseason, but they still went here to entertain the Ilonggo volleyball fans,” Villaruz said./PN
