Cignal started to build momentum for its title defense after taking its second straight win at the expense of Smart-Army, 25-10, 26-24, 25-18, in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference Thursday at Strike Gym in Bacoor.
Rachel Anne Daquis and Mylene Paat had their will against the Giga Spikers, putting up 13 and 12 points, respectively, to lead the HD Spikers to a 2-0 record in Group B.
Despite handling the Giga Spikers easily in the first set, the HD Spikers were rattled in the second set allowing Smart-Army to force an extension.
And that is a source of confernce Cignal head coach Edgar Barroga who reminded his players to get their composure back and finish the match in the third set.
“That’s been our problem once the morale of the team goes down, you have to compose them right back up,” said Barroga in Filipino. “You have to remind them of their responsibility.”
Daquis was the first one to dictate the tempo in the third set with two straight service aces for the 16-5 lead.
Although the Giga Spikers cut the deficit to four, 22-18, the HD Spikers were able to finish off the match after scoring three straight points.
Nerissa Bautista and Dimdim Pacres had six points apiece to lead the 1-1 Giga Spikers.