HD Spikers blast Lady Troopers in straight sets

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal worked on a balanced attack as it repulsed United Auctioneers Army, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19, yesterday to get back on track in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Tai Bierria exploded for 17 points, nine of which coming in the opening frame, as she anchored the key assault leading to their second win against the same number of losses.

Skipper Rachel Anne Daquis and Ces Molina unloaded 10 hits each while Roselyn Doria and Angeli Araneta banged away seven and six points, respectively, to help the cause.

The team also got a big boost from the return of former best middle blocker awardee Riri Meneses, who uncorked seven hits including two off blocks in her first game after missing some action due to health reasons.

Setter Gel Cayuna also helped out with her spectacular job in facilitating the offense.

“Our motivation was just to keep pushing and working on the things that we did wrong,” said Cayuna, who finished with 20 excellent sets.

The Lady Troopers, who were led by Laura Condotta’s 13-point performance, dropped to 0-5. Jovelyn Gonzaga and Jeanette Villareal had 10 and seven points, respectively, and Honey Royse Tubino settled for a six-point outing.

In the nightcap,  Akari  rode on the 44-point eruption of Prisilla Rivera as it turned back Choco Mucho in a tough five-setter, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12, to improve to 2-4.

The Flying Titans slipped to 2-3.

The HD Spikers came out of the long break in top form, out-steadying the Lady Troopers in the stretch in the opening frame, breaking away late in the next and dominating the third.