HD Spikers turn back Crossovers, draw first blood in battle-for-bronze series

Cignal rose from a second-set hiccup and turned back feisty Chery Tiggo, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20, to draw the first blood in their best-of-three battle for the bronze medal in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, Dec. 14.

Despite fresh from a stinging semifinal defeat to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last Tuesday, Dec. 12, the HD Spikers still displayed their unstoppable attacks anchored on Vanie Gandler and Jovelyn Gonzaga to inch closer to clinching a podium finish.

Gandler unloaded an impressive game by pumping 21 points built on 20 kills and one block including in the late stages of the fourth set where Chery Tiggo attempted some last-minute counterattacks to extend the match into a deciding fifth set.

“We knew that the fight is still not over after that semifinal loss. We’re still going for the bronze medal,” said Gandler.

The win was also a redemption of sorts for Cignal after bowing to Chery Tiggo in a marathon five setter, 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 16-14, in the eliminations last Nov. 21.

Gonzaga also shone for the HD Spikers with 15 points highlighted by three blocks, while skipper Ces Molina chipped in 13 points — all from the attack area.

Leading 20-18 after Chery Tiggo dropped three straight points courtesy of Jasmine Nabor and Pauline Gaston, Gandler retaliated with a down-the-line spike that set the tone for Cignal.

Ignited by Gandler’s assault, Gonzaga unleashed three straight points to put it at match point, 24-18, before Chery Tiggo briefly halted Cignal’s run with back-to-back points.

Then it was Gonzaga’s turn to seal the win for the HD Spikers with her own down-the-line spike that had the Crossovers scrambling for a return to no avail.

Gaston scored 14 points, Mylene Paat and Eya Laure had 13 points apiece, and EJ Laure posted 12 points in a losing effort for Chery Tiggo, who gave up 29 points on errors.

Game 2 of their matchup will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.