Perlas bucked a slow start in besting Cignal HD, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21, on Thursday, July 29 to nail its first victory in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PVC Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The Perlas Spikers turned to their offensive strength led by Nicole Tiamzon and Sue Roces, who combined for 24 kills.
Tiamzon finished with 13 points while Roces chipped in 11 as the Perlas Spikers ended their two-game slump.
Perlas coach Rei Diaz believes the win boosted the confidence of the squad after being delayed to compete in the league, then losing their early matches.
“Kailangan namin yung panalo kasi malaking mabibigay saming kumpiyansa individually,” said Diaz.
Tiamzon added the win would serve as a springboard to their future matches.
“Finally nakuha na rin namin yung confidence namin. We’ll create a momentum from this. Sobrang blessing ito sa lahat ng pinagdaanan namin,” she said.
Cherry Nunag and Heather Guino-o also responded to the challenge on both ends by tallying 13 points each, with Guino-o contributing to Perlas’ floor defense by posting 16 excellent digs.
Jellie Tempiatura stepped up on the floor for the Perlas Spikers, managing 33 of the team’s whopping 111 digs.
Angelica Cayuna was also instrumental in Perla’s attacks by converting 24 excellent sets.
Cignal dropped to its fifth defeat in six matches despite the efforts of Janine Marciano and Norielle Ipac, who had 12 and 11 points. Roselyn Doria finished with 10 points.