Cignal spoils Akari’s PVL debut in import-laced conference

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Cignal HD Spikers picked up where they left off the last conference and gave Akari a rude welcome in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-16.

After giving up the first set to the newest team in the PVL, the more experienced HD Spikers suddenly flipped the switch and swept Akari in the last three sets.

It was also an impressive win for Cignal after missing the services of superstar middle-blocker Ria Meneses and Jerrili Malabanan during the game.

On the other hand, one of Cignal’s leaders, Ces Molina, didn’t return in the third set as her right ankle sprain pain kept on bugging her.

American import Tai Bierria quickly introduced what she could bring to the table and paced the HD Spikers with 20 big points built from 17 successful attacks and nine excellent digs.

Bierria played versatile roles for the HD Spikers and even handled several middle-blocking duties and added two kill blocks in her first game stat line.

Cignal’s locals also delivered in the big-time win led by the trio of Rose Doria, Chai Troncoso, and Gel Cayuna.

Doria finished the game with 13 points and four blocks while Troncoso chipped in 12 points built from 9 successful attacks.

“Very thankful especially kay Lord. First win and not too good of a game for us but syempre mas magpe-prepare pa kami. Marami kaming natutunan so maghahanda pa kami sa next game namin.” Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos said.

On the other hand, the young Akari team was led by their internationally-renowned import Prisilla Rivera with 20 points, two service aces, and one block.