Cignal on brink of PSL Invitational title

Maika Ortiz of Foton tries to beat this defense by Maica Morada and Jovy Gonzaga of Cignal during their battle yesterday in the Belo-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference’s final round at the Fil-Oil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Cignal moved on the cusp of winning the championship after outclassing Foton, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22, in the 2017 Philippine Superliga Invitational Finals Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The HD Spikers, however, will have to wait for the result of the game between Japan and Petron before they can celebrate.

A win by Japan will officially give the crown to Cignal. The only scenario where Petron takes the title is if it beats Japan in a lopsided straight-sets win.

The HD Spikers flaunted their depth with five of their players posting at least six points led by Cherry Vivas’ nine.

“We have a good lineup and we quickly developed good chemistry,” said Cignal head coach George Pascua. “We were also able to maximize our players’ strengths in every position.”

Stephanie Mercado had eight points, seven coming off hits, Jovelyn Gonzaga added seven while Janine Marciano and Honey Royse Tubino scored six points apiece for the HD Spikers.

All of Cignal’s 11 spikers registered a point while Foton relied heavily on Grethcel Soltones.

Soltones fired a game-high 14 points for the Tornadoes, who failed to draw enough help for the three-time NCAA MVP.