MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers quashed off NxLed Chameleons’ last-ditch fight back in the third set for a 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 victory in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
After storming to a huge 23-10 lead in the third set, the HD Spikers allowed the Chameleons to unload eight straight points behind Jhoanna Maraguinot to cut the deficit to 18-23.
Jovelyn Fernandez stopped the bleeding for Cignal HD with a crucial block on Maraguinot, and after giving up three more points to NxLed, Ilongga Glaudine Trongcoso capped the win of the HD Spikers with a well-placed touch block.
“We still need to work hard, we failed to close them out convincingly in the third set,” said Roselyn Doria, who was named Player of the Game with 10 points. “NxLed did what it was supposed to do.”
Frances Molina led the way for Cignal HD with 14 points, Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga and Marivic Meneses matched eight-point outputs as they tied the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on top with 3-0 record.
Maraguinot scored 11 points while Lycha Ebon and Ivy Lacsina chipped in nine and eight points, respectively, for the Chameleons, which remained winless after three outings.
Meanwhile, defending champions Cool Smashers showcased their dominance over Galeries Tower Highrisers, securing a 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 victory to stay undefeated.
Michelle Gumabao came off the bench to score 10 points, while Diana Carlos and Alyssa Valdez contributed nine and eight markers, respectively, as the Cool Smashers improved to a 3-0 win-loss slate.
Lorie Lyn Bernardo started in the middle and finished with six points, while Bea de Leon, Jessica Galanza, and Bernadeth Pons contributed five markers each for the defending champions.
“Based on their performance, okay naman, nung third set, medyo malayo yung score. Okay naman. At least hindi masyado nagpabaya dun sa mga basic skills na ginagawa namin palagi,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses./PN
