AirAsia blocks Cignal in PLDT Super Liga

Games Sunday (Cuneta Astrodome)

3 p.m. – Cagayan vs PLDT (women’s)

5 p.m. – Generika vs RC Cola (women’s)

7 p.m. – Cignal vs Via Mare (men’s)

MANILA, Philippines - AirAsia suffered some minor turbulence before coming out clear with a 25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 19-25, 15-11 victory over Cignal HD in the 2014 PLDT Home DSL-Philippine Super Liga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference volleyball tournament late Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

After a slow debut, rookie Abigail Marano unleashed a monster performance to carry the Flying Spikers to their second win in the women’s division of this premiere club tournament supported by PLDT Home DSL and backed by Mikasa, Asics, Mueller Tapes, Jinling Sports Equipment, LGR, Bench and Healthway Medical.

In the nightcap of this competition organized by Sports Core with Solar Sports as the official broadcaster, Instituto Estetico Manila blasted fellow newcomer Via Mare, 25-14, 25-19, 25-21, to join opening-day winner Cignal HD in the win column of the men’s division.

Former Far Eastern University star Karl Dela Calzada tallied 12 hits, two blocks and two service aces for 16 points for the Phoenix Volley Masters, who spoiled the debut of former rally racing champion Vip Isada as Via Mare head coach.

Tabbed as the second overall pick in the first-ever PSL rookie draft, Marano shook off the jitters as she sizzled for 18 points while providing leadership and stability in the crucial stretch of the fifth set.

Stephanie Mercado, daughter of Asia’s track queen Lydia De Vega-Mercado and the hero in their straight-set victory over Cagayan Valley on  opening day, chipped in 15 points while veteran Michelle Laborte delivered 13 markers.

“Medyo tentative pa din ang mga galaw namin. Makikita kanina na hindi pa masyado kilala ang isa’t-isa, hindi pa namin ma-maximize ang strengths ng bawat isa, hindi pa alam ang igagalaw sa loob ng court,” said Flying Spikers’ coach Ramil de Jesus, downplaying the chemistry and familiarity of his team composed of the core of the La Salle Lady Spikers.

After easily booking the first two sets, AirAsia fell to a maze of errors in the third set while Honey Royse Tubino and Danika Gendrauli waxed hot to give Cignal HD a 16-7 edge early in the fourth.