Cignal snapped a prolonged scoreless streak in the third set, quashing Nxled’s last-ditch attempt at a comeback with pivotal hits from Jovelyn Fernandez and Chai Troncoso as the HD Spikers clinched a 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 victory to force a three-way tie for the lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena Thursday night.
Despite extending their streak to three for joint lead with the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos displayed dissatisfaction, particularly with his wards’ inability to seal the victory convincingly.
After storming to a huge 23-10 lead in the third, the HD Spikers allowed the Chameleons to unleash an eight-point rally, converting Cignal’s mishits into counter-attacks, anchored on Jho Maraguinot.
Delos Santos called for consecutive timeouts to regroup and Fernandez fortunately came through with a crucial block on Maraguinot, and after blowing three match points, Troncoso secured the win with a well-placed touch block following a precise set from Gel Cayuna.
“We still need to work hard,” said Roselyn Doria, who emerged the game’s best player with 10 points while downplaying the team’s failure to close out the Chameleons decisively.
“Nxled did what it was supposed to do,” said Doria in acknowledging Nxled’s commendable comeback.
