PVL: Ria Meneses-Ces Molina duo makes life easier for Tai Bierria

Ria Meneses returns for Cignal HD Spikers. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal import Tai Bierria is happy to see Ria Meneses return and Ces Molina slowly regain her top form as the HD Spikers continue to hunt a semifinals spot in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

The American import unleashed 17 points to stop Cignal’s two-game skid with a 25-23, 25-19, 25-19 victory over the winless United Auctioneers Inc.(UAI)-Army, but she lauded her two teammates on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Meneses made her comeback after missing the first three games due to knee issues and finished with seven points, including two blocks to help the HD Spikers improve to a 2-2 record.

“We’ve been waiting for her to come back. She’s been like a bulldozer She’s very focused, very straight face but we love that energy. Very ‘give me the ball I’m gonna put this away’ and so having her back has been a big help not only in today’s game but in practices as well,” said Bierria on their returning middle blocker.

Bierria, the New Mexico University standout, who had 16 kills and 12 digs, also lauded Molina after providing the spark off the bench, pouring seven of her 10 points in the third set to close out the set.

“The way Ces came in today and just dominated is so comforting and so helpful to me because I’m not perfect. Just knowing we got a bench that’s so deep and they can come in and contribute at any time takes a lot of pressure off of me even though I like to keep going,” she said. “Just shoutout to her, I’m her biggest cheerleader, and all the other girls who come in now just can do the job well.”

Cignal HD Spikers led by import Tai Bierria. –PVL PHOTO

Molina has yet to regain her peak form since she suffered an ankle injury last conference.

Besides the impact of the spiker-blocker pair, Bierria said the team got a chance to reflect during their two-week hiatus caused by their postponed game against Choco Mucho last Saturday due to inclement weather.

“I think we just got the chance to reflect and look back on what we did and tweak some things. Having a canceled game against Choco Mucho kinda gave us extra time to prepare this one and so, leading up to it we really got time to sit down, look and make the changes that we want to,” she said.

Bierria hopes to keep their winning mentality to reach the Final Four round as they take on Petro Gazz next week.

“Honestly same as before. Just keep winning, keep getting better. I do feel like we’ve gotten better each game so I think our mindset is to continue doing that. Whatever team we got coming, whoever’s next, just keep going, just keep getting better,” said Bierria.