PVL: Tai Bierria takes charge as Cignal edges debuting Akari

Cignal import Tai Bierra. –PVL PHOTO

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — Tai Bierria unloaded 20 points as Cignal spoiled Akari’s debut, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-16, in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

The 25-year-old American helped the HD Spikers recover from a first-set loss, taking over in the last three sets and finishing with 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace including nine digs to beat the debuting Power Chargers in an hour and 57 minutes.

“I’m so happy with her performance. I told her that we have a lot of things to improve and work on. It’s still a long way to go for our team, we have to work harder and give our 101 percent,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos in Filipino after spoiling Akari’s Jorge Souza de Brito’s debut.

Cignal missed its star middle blocker Ria Meneses, who was in street clothes, due to a knee issue along with Jerrili Malabanan. But Roselyn Doria stepped up in the middle with 13 points, providing four of the team’s seven blocks. 

Substitute spikers Glaudine Troncoso and Angeli Araneta also rose to the occasion in the last two sets with 12 and eight points, respectively, as Rachel Anne Daquis and Ces Molina only played in the first two frames. 

Gel Cayuna distributed 23 excellent sets on top of five markers as the HD Spikers outplayed the Power Chargers in spiking, 55-45.

Cignal, which joined sister team PLDT as winners of opening day, eyes its second win against Chery Tiggo on Saturday next week at Philsports Arena at 5:30 p.m.

Akari’s Dominican import Prisilla Rivera carried her team with 20 points off 17 attacks, two aces, and a block including 11 receptions, but Bierria and Cignal got the last laugh.

Erika Raagas was the top local scorer for the Power Chargers with 16 points, while Ezra Madrigal was a revelation with seven markers.