HD Spikers capture outright semis slot
Reigning champion Cignal booked a return flight to the semifinals as it clobbered Cocolife, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22, in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference on Saturday at Muntinlupa Sports Center.
Skipper Rachel Anne Daquis got the job done as she spearheaded the HD Spikers to a clean sweep of the preliminaries. Daquis finished with 15 points built on 13 attacks, two blocks and seven digs.
“Rachel was really very eager to win this game for us. She played in beast mode and carried the team,” said Cignal head coach Edgar Barroga, noting that he fired up his wards by reminding them the importance of the game.
“We came in a bit relaxed because our opponent is already out of contention and then we realized that we could not afford to lose this game because we might blow our opportunity for outright semifinals.”
National pool member Mylene Paat scattered 10 kills and six blocks for 16 points while Mumay Vivas notched six hits and playmaker Acy Masangkay made 21 excellent sets for the HD Spikers, who also drew impressive game from seasoned libero Jheck Dionela.
Cignal will take a one-week break while waiting for its foe in the knockout semifinals.
After taking the first two sets in convincing fashion, the HD Spikers lost steam in the third set as they trailed the Asset Managers, 11-15.
But the HD Spikers used their experience to overtake the Asset Managers, 21-19.
