Former US team standout shines for HD Spikers

Playing only her third game for Cignal HD, American open hitter Erica Wilson knew exactly how small the HD Spikers felt going up against the big guns in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.

The 28-year-old from Arizona State University said picking up wins early means a lot for her team.

“This is a very important win for us; we get to show that we can fight and we can win games,” said Wilson.

The six-foot heavy hitter scored 24 points to power Cignal past Sta. Lucia Realty, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-23, Saturday at Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

“The key factor is we stayed together no matter what,” said Wilson who once played for the United States in the World Under-23 championships. “One person went down and another steps up and as a team we get back.”

Cignal placed sixth the previous two Grand Prix tournaments and has yet to win a conference title after becoming co-champions in 2016 Invitationals.

It has seen several major lineup changes especially after losing key player Jovelyn Gonzaga due to the military and to subsequent injury.

The HD Spikers improved to 2-1, while the Lady Realtors fell to 1-3.

Later, PLDT FIBR finally connected with a hard-earned 24-26, 25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 15-8 victory over Generika-Ayala.

Grace Lazard led PLDT with 32 points while Lizlee Ann Pantone added 26 excellent sets.