Bautista powers Army past Cignal for first win in Super Liga

MANILA, Philippines — After a heartbreaking loss to Cagayan, Philippine Army bounced back to beat Cignal, 25-22, 25-15, 25-27, 25-18, Wednesday in day two of the Philippine Super Liga at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Nene Bautista led the way with 16 points while Joanne Bunag added 15 points for the Lady Troopers, who dropped a five-setter against the Rising Suns last Sunday.

“Masaya kami kasi nanalo kami sa second game namin. Malaking karangalan yun sa amin kasi natalo kami sa unang game. Bumaba yung morale ng Army kasi ang tingin sa amin napakataas,” said Army head coach Sgt. Rico de Guzman.

Army had the chance to close the game out in three sets but Cignal, bannered by Venus Bernal, battled back to extend the match.

“Nag-relax yung mga bata. Yun ang laging sakit namin. Kapag nauuna kami bumababa yung laro nila. So sabi ko sa kanila, maintain lang namin yung momentum,” added de Guzman, whose team rallied from 13-17 to knot it at 25 in the third set before falling short.

Bernal powered her way to a game-high 24 points after putting up 17 in the HD Spikers’ whipping of Petron, 25-22, 25-17, 25-23, in the opener.