PVL: Cignal had extra motivation facing finals foe Petro Gazz

Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference game against Petro Gazz Angels. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Getting back at Reinforced Conference finals tormentor and two-time defending champion Petro Gazz was an extra motivation for Cignal as it tied its best start in the PVL in two years.

The HD Spikers had a near-flawless game, setting the record for the least number of errors in a single game with just six, in sweeping the skidding Angels 25-19, 25-19, 25-22, on Thursday.

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos admitted it was part of their motivation to beat the team that swept them in their first PVL finals two years ago.

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“Definitely yes. We wanted to redeem ourselves not only against a particular team but also in this conference. We have to perform well and as much as possible, we have to work hard until the end,” said Delos Santos in Filipino after his team committed just one miscue in the opening set en route to the win.

The HD Spikers are fielding a new look with Ces Molina, Gel Cayuna, Ria Meneses, and Rose Doria being the key holdovers of the team that reached the championship with veterans Rachel Anne Daquis and ex-import Tai Bierria.

Delos Santos credits their early success to the leadership and skills of veteran Venezuelan player MJ Perez and the discipline and dedication of the whole team, resulting in the near-flawless performance of a PVL squad.

READ: PVL: Coach Shaq happy to have MJ Perez on his side this time

“We have a very good import. It’s not only about her skills but her leadership,  being a senior of this team,” said the Cignal coach. “The team’s mindset has leveled up, too. I’m proud of them because the players and coaches have been pouring their all out efforts every practice. We hope to maintain and improve this because every conference, we learn regardless of our finish.”

Cayuna, who has been orchestrating Cignal’s offense, also said that Perez has been spelling the difference for their team this midseason tournament.

“Our import is kind and she’s really strong,” said the two-time Best Setter in Filipino. “As we continue to play, we strengthen our connection. She’s open to adjustments and we’ve been exchanging feedback. Every day we work on our connection because we know it’s still a long way to go for our team.”

“But as coach Shaq says, we can’t rely on her alone, we have to step up and help her,” she added.

Cignal, which already clinched a spot in Pool D, closes its first round against fellow unbeaten team Akari on Tuesday next week.