CIGNAL unleashed a strong start and finished even stronger to beat RC Cola-Air Force, 25-17, 25-23, 25-23, in the opening tiff of the 2014 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Sarah Ammerman was incredible, sparking an early surge to lift the HD Spikers to their first win in the interclub tournament organized by Sports Core with Mikasa, Mueller Sports Medicine, Healthway Medical, Jinling Sports and LGR as technical partners.
A seasoned campaigner in the European circuit who led Texas A&M to a deep run in the National Collegiate Athletic Associations national championship in 2009, the 6-foot-3 Ammerman delivered 15 hits, two aces and one block to finish with 18 points, while providing rock-solid defense that thwarted the numerous comebacks the Raiders tried to mount.
Fellow import Lindsay Stalzer was also impressive with 15 points, while Abigail Praca chipped in 11 markers for the HD Spikers, who are looking to finally clinch the crown, especially now that three-time champion Army Lady Troopers are taking a breather.
“We’re very focused right now. We did what we are doing best in practice. I’m glad that we started with a win,” Ammerman said, one of the 12 imports who are tipped to spice this tournament recognized by the Philippine Volleyball Federation, the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation.
Her coach, Sammy Acaylar, strongly agreed, adding that he gave Ammerman and Stalzer the freedom to choose what kind of sets suit their game.
“I asked the imports what kind of sets they wanted,” he said. “At first, they couldn’t adjust. So, we adjusted to their game and left the quick sets to the locals.”
“But the most important thing is that our imports can speak English. There was no language barrier among us. They are happy. We are all having fun. I taught them how to enjoy the game without pressure.”
True enough, Cignal came out smoking as Ammerman stunned RC Cola-Air Force with her variety of hot smashes, timely drops and airtight net defense to help the HD Spikers capture an early 15-4 lead, much to the delight of the capacity crowd that came to witness hard-hitting action.
The Raiders—behind imports Bonita Wise and Emily Brown—tried to extend the game to an extra set as they inched closer, 23-24, off a service error by Praca.
But Ammerman unloaded another sharp kill from the left flank to seal the victory for the HD Spikers.
Brown, the former Kansas star, registered 16 kills and two blocks for 18 points while Wise punched a dismal nine points for the Raiders, who are looking for a major rebound to avenge their painful setback in the finals last conference.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza