Cignal disrupts PLDT

Six-foot-two Alohi Robins-Hardy may be the long-missing piece of a puzzle for Cignal.

The Filipino-American setter ran Cignal’s offense seamlessly, once again keying her team to an easy 25-12, 25-21, 25-15 victory over PLDT on Thursday in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre.

“I just have a positive mind-set, get everybody the ball and connect to everyone,” said Robins-Hardy, who was acquired from defunct United Volleyball Club in the preseason.

Her presence provided a boost for Cignal, which is one of the pioneering teams in the league but has yet to win a conference title.

“Communication is very important so I can give them the ball they need,” added Robins-Hardy, who had 20 excellent sets and five points in Cignal’s second straight victory.

Her ball management allowed Cignal to outscore PLDT in attacks (45-33) as she fed regulars Mylene Paat and Rachel Anne Daquis, who turned in 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Robins-Hardy, a member of the national pool, also provided a menacing presence in the net with her long reach and timing. Cignal had substantially more kill-blocks than PLDT, 11-3.

Daquis, the team captain, cited the team’s chemistry, which was palpable on the court even though they have a new setter and with Jovelyn Gonzaga just coming in from a two-year hiatus.

“The atmosphere is light inside the court,” Daquis said. “We communicate well and maybe that’s why every one managed to step up and contribute.”

Cignal opened the match with a lopsided opening set, outscoring PLDT in blocks, 4-0.