Philips Gold routs Cignal for solo lead in PSL

Philips Gold Lady Slammers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

PHILIPS Gold demolished a surprisingly weak Cignal, 25-22, 25-14, 25-23, last night to snare the solo lead in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Slammers were hardly threatened in the match which came as a shock to everybody except for coach Francis Vicente, who said he expected the quick outcome because they have prepared very hard for it.

“Modesty aside, yes I expected that to be easy. We prepared for them long and hard,” said Vicente. “We didn’t want to rely too much on our import. The locals must step up because if we play in the international stage we all have to step up.”

He was referring to the incentive that comes with winning the PSL Grand Prix title which is representing the country in next year’s Asian Women’s Club Championships to be held here.

It was Philips Gold’s seventh win in nine games and the Lady Slammers could cement their hold of the No. 1 spot if they win over the defending champion Petron Blaze Spikers in their last elimination game.

The HD Spikers dropped their fourth game in 10 outings although they are assured of a slot in the knockout semifinals starting next week.

Bojana Todorovic led the Lady Slammers with 19 points, including 18 spikes, while Alexis Olgard and Myla Pablo added 14 and 13 points, respectively. Team captain Michelle Gumabao chipped in nine for Philips Gold.

Fil-American Lindsay Dowd added seven points for Philips Gold aside from dishing out 21 excellent sets that cleared the alley for the hitters.

“But I don’t want to peak prematurely. We need to balance our training and take a break,” said Vicente.

Cignal appeared to be taking that break for itself as coach Sammy Acaylar experimented with his roster, giving more playing time to Wensh Tiu instead of Amanda Anderson.

Still, Anderson topscored with 14 points, while Ariel Usher pumped in 13 for the HD Spikers.