Cignal HD Spikers. Photo taken from Philippine Superliga’s Facebook account
Ariel Usher unloaded conference-high 36 points to bolster Cignal as it drubbed RC Cola-Air Force, 25-19, 24-26, 25-23, 25-17, Sunday and complete a 5-0 sweep of the first round of eliminations in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball at Cuneta Astrodome.
Of her total output, the high-scoring import from Oregon hit 29 spikes to lead the HD Spikers who consolidated the leadership and in the process handed the Raiders their third straight defeat.
But for her, it was still a disappointing game.
“I didn’t play 100 percent and I made a lot of mistakes but as long as it helped the team, hey, perfect. We won,” said the outspoken Usher who credited her teammates’ all-out support for her team’s perfect run so far.
The HD Spikers looked headed to a brief encounter but RC Cola, led by Puerto Rican import Lynda Morales, fought back hard to steal the second set. But Cignal soon found away to close down RC Cola’s attack line in the next two sets.
Cignal’s other import Amanda Anderson chipped 14 points, while libero Jheck Dionela took charge of defense as she came up four digs and receives each. Morales finished with 19 points, while her fellow Raiders Sara McClinton and Judy Caballejo added 14 each.
Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar said his imports inspired the locals to play at the same level of the imports.
“We have perfect bonding with the imports, there is no superstar. And we enjoy so there’s no undue pressure on us,” added Acaylar.
But Usher bared that there was plenty of handwork behind their success, something she credited to Acaylar and the coaching staff.
“Obviously we’re super stoked. I’m gonna commend the coaches, we have the best coaches for sure, they made excellent scouting and we practice based on how the opposing team,” said Usher.
“Before this game, we practiced like how RC Cola would play,” added Usher.
That was evident as Cignal seemed to know how RC Cola would falter and create glaring spots in its floor defense.