Cignal HD Spikers celebrate after scoring a point against F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the PVL Open Conference. Photo from PVL
MANILA, Philippines—Cignal HD closed down the air space over F2 Logistics and covered ground with aplomb to score a 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-18 victory and restore balance of power in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila.
There was nothing special with the way the HD Spikers shocked the erstwhile unbeaten Cargo Movers except for sheer hard work on defense and steady service game. They took solo leadership in Pool A with a 2-0 record, while the losers fell to 2-1.
Cignal’s Ces Molina, Ria Meneses and Rachel Anne Daquis each scored 12 points and also declared a no-fly zone against F2 hitters, revealing a major crack in the newcomers’ armor. They collected five kill-blocks against two for F2.
Gel Cayuna made an impressive ball distribution with 18 excellent sets aside from scoring seven for the HD Spikers who had a major facelift before the season began.
The HD Spikers also dropped nine services aces against one by the Cargo Movers who incidentally are more known for their efficient serving.
Still, the Cargo Movers managed to steal a set, relying on Kim Kiana Dy, Tin Tiamzon and Aby Marano to mount a 13-3 run in the third. That was when HD Spikers’ coach Shaq Delos Santos was shuffling his player down the stretch.