Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) – The Cignal HD Spikers humbled another big opponent as they downed the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four sets, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-16, in the 2022 PVL Open Conference on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
The victory means the Shaq Delos Santos-mentored HD Spikers are a game away from sweeping Pool A and securing the top seed, and one of the bracket’s twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantage. They earlier beat defending champions Chery Tiggo Crossovers and top club F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in their first two pool play games.
Choco Mucho started the game on a high note with their commanding attacks dominating the floor to list the victory in the first set.
In the next three sets, Cignal exposed the defensive weaknesses of their opponents by attacking excellent zone and two-ball plays in their favor as they also benefited from the impatient set plays of Choco Mucho.
The Flying Titans failed to provide any answer to the relentless hits of the HD Spikers, despite also getting good looks from their spikes and blocks.
Roselyn Doria, who became the unlikely hero for Cignal with team-high 17 points where eight are from block points, gave the win with a powerful spike that rocked the Choco Mucho defender.
Ces Molina added 14 points for the HD Spikers and Rachel Anne Daquis and Angeli Araneta completed the well-oiled offensive weapons of the squad by chipping in 10 points each.
Kat Tolentino led the Flying Titans with 19 points while Aduke Ogunsanya produced 10 markers.
The Oliver Almadro-coached Choco Mucho squad is tied with F2 Logistics at second spot of Pool A with a 2-1 slate. The two heavy-hitting squads will dispute the other twice-to-beat advantage in the final pool play game on Thursday.
