MANILA – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers stretched their winning streak further in the 2018 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference as they took down Cignal HD Spikers 25-21, 27-25, 22-25, 25-16 at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.
Bacolodnon Patty Jane Orendain had double-double 18 points and 10 digs, while Ilongga Fiola Ceballos added 15 markers for the Lifesavers (5-3 win-loss) on Tuesday night.
Another Ilongga, April Ross Hingpit, was also instrumental for the Lifesavers with 47 excellent sets on top of 8 markers, while Kath Arado had double-double 27 digs and 12 excellent receptions.
“At least our preparations worked well,” said Lifesavers assistant coach Parley Tupaz. “We’re now oozing with confidence but we’ll still take it step by step and avoid complacency.”
After handily winning the opening set, the Lifesavers were notably behind 18-22 in the second set before mounting a comeback and forcing a deadlock at 25-all. Back-to-back hits from Marivic Meneses and Orendain propelled Generika-Ayala in the set.
Failing to close out the HD Spikers in the third frame, the Lifesavers responded with a strong run in the fourth set behind Orendain, Meneses and Ceballos for a 22-12 lead.
Meanwhile, defending champions Petron Blaze Spikers secured the No. 1 spot heading into the playoffs after dealing Foton Tornadoes a 25-10, 20-25, 25-16, 25-8 beating.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons tallied 16 points and delivered 21 digs for the Blaze Spikers, which remained undefeated in nine outings. La Rainne Fabay led the depleted Tornadoes with 8 points./PN
