CIGNAL HD BREEZES PAST IEM; SETS UP FINALS SHOWDOWN WITH PLDT AIR FORCE

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Cignal HD Spikers defeated Instituto Estetico Manila in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 in men’s division action of the 2014 Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference Wednesday afternoon at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

After a close game in the early goings, Cingal HD, behind Mike Abria slowly started to find their groove and keep their distance from IEM. Adam Daquer also stepped it up defensively for the HD Spikers, whose block helped Cignal reach set point. Howard Mojica put it away with a spike on the other side as the HD Spikers won set number one convincingly, 25-18.

Cignal HD managed to start strong during set number two; leading by as much as five heading in the latter stages, but IEM rallied and momentarily grabbed the lead, 22-21 courtesy of Billy Conde’s attack. However, the Phoenix Volley Masters failed to capitalize when Alexis Faytaren committed a service error that tied the game at 22 apiece. Holding a slim 23-22 lead, Cignal HD’s Adam Daquer then went to work, both offensively and defensively; scoring the last two points of the set which included a smashing spike right down the middle and an excellent stop on IEM’s attack attempt, as the  HD Spikers managed to eke out a 25-22 set number two win.

Looking to put the game away, the HD Spikers pounced on their opponents, establishing a 21-14 lead.  IEM made things interesting when they scored three straight points capped off by an Alexis Faytaren service ace, but Cignal HD managed to keep the Phoenix Volley Masters in check, capitalizing on the latter’s mistakes and utilizing on their rock-solid defense anchored by Adam Daquer. Howard Mojica delivered the final blow for his squad with a spike off a block, giving Cignal HD the game-clinching set win, 25-21.

Adam Daquer was named as the best player of the ball game with 12 points, seven of which coming from blocks as his defensive presence behind the net proved to be the decisive factor in Cignal HD’s victory. It will certainly be a huge boost for their confidence when they go up against the number one ranked PLDT Air Force in the championship game on Saturday.

Karl Ian dela Calzada had 12 points for the Phoenix Volley Masters, who finish the tournament with a 3-5 win loss record.

Author: Nico Beato

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