Army repeats over Cignal, wins second PSL plum

MANILA, Philippines –TMS-Army leaned on its experience to beat Cignal anew, 25-14, 22-25, 25-17, 25-20, and repeat as Philippine Super Liga champion –winning the Grand Prix conference plum – Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Lady Troopers, who were also crowned inaugural champions after clinching the PSL invitational title at the expense of the HD Spikers last July, proved to be the steadier team in the crucial stretches of the match with veterans Rachel Ann Daquis, Tina Salak and Mary Jean Balse and Thai import Wanitchaya Luangtonglang providing stability on both ends.

Daquis led the way with 16 points, Salak had eight attacks and 49 excellent sets and Balse finished with 13 points.

“We made a big preparation because we had to adjust with Jacqueline Alarca getting injured in training,” said Salak in Filipino.

“It [championship] is sweeter because last year we don’t have Rachel (Daquis),” added Salak.

Daquis was at the forefront of Army’s attack but had help apart from Salak and Balse with dynamic hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga giving the team a lift anew.

“We have the heart of the champion and we have the experience,” said Daquis, who scored back-to-back points that pushed Army closer to the plum, 22-17, in the fourth set.

Gonzaga delivered the championship point off a quick set as surprise finalists HD Spikers weren’t able to match the Lady Troopers’ firepower when it mattered.