Cignal out to rebound vs Foton

MANILA, Philippines - Cignal tries to bounce back from a shock loss the last time out as it tangles with winless Foton side, looking for a victory and hold of the second spot in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics at the Cuneta Astrodome today.

The HD Spikers clash with a struggling Foton tossers at 4 p.m. following the 2 p.m. battle between Mane ‘N Tail and RC Cola-Air Force in the women’s division of the inter-club tournament organized by Sports Core.

Cavite, on the other hand, guns for its first win as it faces Maybank in the men’s side at 6 p.m. of the tourney that has Solar Sports as its television partner.

Led by the hard-hitting duo of Sarah Ammerman and Lindsay Stalzer, the HD Spikers trampled the RC Cola-Air Force and Mane ‘N Tail sides to seize the early lead only to fall against the powerhouse Petron squad, 17-25, 20-25, 23-25.

Meanwhile, the organizing Sportscore will present the cash prizes to the winners of last conference’s photo contest right after the game between RC Cola-Air Force and Mane ‘N Tail.

“That loss should serve as a wake-up call,” said Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar. “Petron was two steps ahead. They did their homework and came out prepared. We have to do well in our next game to regain our momentum.”

Acaylar, in particular, noted that their locals like Royse Tubino and Abigail Praca should also step up and help their imports carry the scoring and defensive cudgels against a hungry Foton squad, which gave Generika a good fight before rolling over to a 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 15-25 setback in its previous outing.

“We can’t take them for granted,” Acaylar said. “That’s why our locals should also step up both offensively and defensively. Hindi pwedeng basta umasa na lang sa mga imports.”

Also tipped to catch attention is Kristy Jaeckel, Mane ‘N Tail’s gem of an import who is a combination of skills, power, grace and beauty.

In their recent 25-22, 17-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8 win over Foton, the lovely Jaeckel delivered 32 attacks, four blocks and four aces to finish with a tournament-high 40 points, shattering the previous record of 36 markers notched by Dindin Santiago of Petron last conference.

And against RC Cola-Air Force, which fell to a 30-28, 23-25, 16-25, 19-25 setback to leader Petron late Wednesday, Jaeckel and the Lady Stallions are expected to sizzle to capture the solo third spot in the tournament backed by Air 21, My Phone, Via Mare, Mikasa, Mueller Sports Medicine, Healthway Medical, Generika Drugstore, LGR and Jinling Sports as technical partners.