Injury problems and all, Cignal still proved it still has that championship touch Thursday night.
The defending champion faced token opposition in turning back Smart-Army, 25-10, 26-24, 25-18, to take the top spot in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Cignal coach Edgar Barroga credited the HD Spikers’ discipline which covered not just their game but also in their diet as well.
“We are optimistic of our chances now because we are starting to show the fruits of our hard work in training,” said Barroga of his charges, who have now strung up two straight victories.
Cignal, which lost key players who are on sick bay including top gun Jovelyn Gonzaga, went all out on offense, scoring 76 attack points against Smart’s 52.
But the HD Spikers didn’t stop there, controlling the Giga Hitters with unforgiving defense, fashioning out a 13-0 kill-blocks edge.
Rachel Anne Daquis topscored with 13 points to lead Cignal two matches in a row, while Mylene Paat backed her up with 12 markers.
“I’m just hoping we sustain this level of game, but for now we are doing good and having a good time out in the court,” said Daquis, a many-time national team player.