Cignal finally nails men’s title; women’s final today

CIGNAL pulled off a monumental upset of pre-tournament favorite PLDT Telpad-Philippine Air Force, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, to snatch the 2014 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix men’s crown late Friday at Cuneta Astrodome.

Combining strategic plays and impenetrable defense, the HD Spikers were in control throughout to claim their first title and dethrone the defending champion Turbo Boosters.

Gilbert Ablan, a former San Beda ace, led the attack with 20 points while Most Valuable Player Lorenzo Capate chipped in 15 points to exact sweet revenge over the Turbo Boosters in one hour and 33 minutes.

“I knew we’d win but I never expected something like this,” said Cignal coach Macky Carino after turning back the same star-studded squad that foiled their title bids in the past two conferences.

“It’s like winning the lottery for me, especially since this is the first time that I won the title as head coach,” added Carino.

The HD Spikers will provide inspiration when Petron and Generika collide for the women’s title Sunday at the same Pasay City venue.

Spearheaded by imports Erica Adachi and Aliana Bergsma, the Blaze Spikers are the odds-on favorites to seize the championship in their 6 p.m. match.

They practically breezed through the double-round eliminations anchored on the feats of both imports, Dindin Santiago and Frances Molina with eight wins in 10 games.

Ready to snag the trophy after three-time champion Philippine Army failed to make a pitch, Petron subdued Cignal, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, in the semifinals.

Still, Petron coach George Pascua believes that the Life Savers shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Generika was an entirely different team during its 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 semifinal victory over RC Cola-Air Force.

“They are young and fearless. They are used to long rallies and perform well under pressure,” said Pascua. “We have to come in prepared.”

The Life Savers defeated the Blaze Spikers on the last elimination playdate with Generika coach Ramil De Jesus emphasizing that matchup will play a vital role in the battle.