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More than improving its standings, Cignal HD will be looking to cheer up injured leader Jovelyn Gonzaga when it battles Sta. Lucia Realty on Thursday in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Cignal coach George Pascua reported that no fracture had been found on Gonzaga’s right knee which she injured last Tuesday in losing to runaway leader F2 Logistics.
“This is a major challenge for us,” said Pascua, “This is the perfect time for us to step up together and play as a team. We know Jovelyn really wants to win. She’s a fighter. We have to help her emotionally by winning this match for her.”
Underrated opposite hitter Mylene Paat is expected to fill in Gonzaga’s shoes as they take on the struggling Lady Realtors.
One more thing going against the HD Spikers is the fact that they have lost three of their last four matches, while the Lady Realtors are bent on scoring a win that would put them up the elimination ladder.
But Sta. Lucia is likely to also miss a key player as import Marisa Field is out due to knee injury for two games.
Winless Victoria Sports-UST is hoping to hop off the basement when it takes on Iriga City in the other match.
A win by the Tigresses would revive their chances of making the quarterfinals as only one squad will get eliminated.
Rachel Anne Daquis suited up for Cignal HD after missing two games but her presence hardly mattered after F2 Logistics scored a 25-22, 25-13, 25-12 rout to occupy solo top spot.