MANILA – In a do-or-die semifinals at the San Juan Arena, Cignal HD Spikers reached the finals of the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference via a 30-28, 25-21, 17-25, 23-25, 15-8 win over Petron Blaze Spikers.
Rachel Anne Daquis had double-double 22 points and 12 excellent receptions on Thursday night while Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in 17 points and 12 digs.
The HD Spikers entered the All-Filipino Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.
However, it would be hard-pressed in the best-of-three championship series starting tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It faces F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
After winning the first two sets, the HD Spikers failed to close out the dethroned champions in the third and fourth frame, sending the winner-take-all match to a fifth and deciding set.
The HD Spikers was able to regain its form in the decider with an 11-4 start behind the tandem of Gonzaga and Daquis.
The Blaze Spikers rallied to within six but hits by Ranya Musa, Roselyn Doria and Alohi Robins-Hardy ended the match for Cignal.
“Sobrang pinag-aralan namin sila. Alam namin nasa amin ang momentum, nasa Petron ang pressure. Pero hanggang sa huli lumaban sila,” said HD Spikers head coach Edgar Barroga.
Cherry Rondina and Frances Xinia Molina carried the Blaze Spikers with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had 15 points, 17 digs and nine excellent receptions./PN
