MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers leaned on timely hits in the endgame to score a 25-23, 22-25, 26-24, 26-24 triumph over F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga and Frances Xinia Molina took over in a wild finish in the last two sets with their timely connections to bolster the HD Spikers’ semifinal bid with their 6-2 win-loss slate.
Molina led the way for the HD Spikers with 22 points, Gonzaga finished with 15 markers, rookie Vanie Gandler scored 13 points, and Roselyn Doria and Riri Meneses added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“We’re very blessed, happy, and thankful to the Lord, kasi gina-guide Niya talaga kami, pero hindi kami masa-satisfy sa nakukuha namin, kasi marami pa ang pagdadaanan namin,” said HD Spikers head coach Ceseal delos Santos.
“Sobrang laki nung impact nung mga veterans sa team. While the game is in progress, kinausap ko ‘yung mga veterans na tiyagain lang ilaro lang kung anong meron sila,” he added.
Jolina dela Cruz finished with a career-high of 30 points, while Victorinara Galang added 17 points as the Cargo Movers suffered its second consecutive loss to drop to 4-4 slate.
Meanwhile, Nxled Chameleons (3-5) notched their second straight victory after defeating fellow PVL newcomer Galeries Tower Highrisers (0-7) in straight sets, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17.
Jhoanna Maraguinot led the way with 13 points, accompanied by seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions, Krich Macaslang tallied 11 markers, while Lycha Ebon contributed 10 points for the Chameleons.
“Actually, in the first and second sets, our players were moving tightly. I think they were somewhat afraid to play inside the court against Galeries. So, actually, I want to say it was a bad game, even though we won 3-0,” said Nxled head coach Taka Minowa.
“Our purpose is to improve more, but they tried to just focus on winning, which is why the players were moving tight. Also, they didn’t have communication today, but in the third set, it was very good; they tried,” he added./PN
