–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
Protected to say that regardless of every part that Cignal had gone by, the HD Spikers have efficiently turned the leaf.
Orphaned by two principal cogs, amongst different gamers, on the finish of final 12 months, the HD Spikers nonetheless went on to tab No. 3 seeding heading into the following spherical of the PVL All-Filipino Convention after a dominant recreation to shut out their classification spherical stint.
Article continues after this commercial
Moderately than roll over and die, the HD Spikers selected to intestine it out from there and have now achieved a end that got here as a shock to many.
However to not the group and the one who now leads it.
“I didn’t actually get stunned with the efficiency of the group as a result of I belief everybody on this group,” mentioned Vanie Gandler after main the HD Spikers to a 25-17, 25-15, 25-21 whitewash of Akari on Tuesday at PhilSports Area in Pasig Metropolis.
Article continues after this commercial
“Even in the beginning that occurred, [everyone has] been stepping up all the time,” added Gandler, who has stepped up as chief ever since Ces Molina and Ria Meneses opted to not renew their contracts on the finish of final 12 months which seemingly left an enormous void within the group core.
With an 8-3 report, the HD Spikers will now await who finishes because the No. 10 squad which they are going to battle in a KO recreation for the appropriate to be within the prime six and play in a best-of-three collection.
“I’m completely satisfied as a result of that is actually our goal, to hopefully take the No. 3,” mentioned coach Shaq Delos Santos in Filipino. The seasoned mentor made the mandatory changes and pulled out an ace in Ishie Lalongisip because the starting of the 12 months and is now the squad’s second deadliest gun.
“We gained’t cease as a result of there may be nonetheless so much to enhance on [going into the next round] and we all know that we will nonetheless get higher,” Delos Santos mentioned.
‘It’s actually teamwork’
“Bodily facet, it’s kinda arduous on our group trigger there are solely 12 [of us that] we will’t have an off recreation,” Gandler mentioned after placing up a game-high 15 factors. “However then, that’s why I say it’s actually teamwork, when one individual is off everybody else helps that individual.”
With the fast work of the Chargers, the Invitational Convention silver medalists will take a three-game profitable streak into the knockout spherical.
Earlier than Molina and Meneses’ departure, the veteran Jov Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis, Anngela Nunag, Jheck Dionela and Chai Troncoso additionally bid the group goodbye.
“I grew to become extra motivated with every part that occurred to us,” Delos Santos mentioned. “Whether or not it was on what I have to work on or us coaches and giving gamers their new roles now that there are a number of of them left.”
Rose Doria-Aquino punched in 12 factors from 9 kills and three blocks whereas Lalongisip accounted for 10 factors.
Gel Cayuna was her often environment friendly self and completed with 19 wonderful units. INQ
