Push Admin

Cignal looks to defend PSL Invitational crown sans key stars

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

Games Saturday (Araneta Coliseum):3 p.m. – Opening ceremonies 4 p.m. – Generika-Ayala vs UA-UP 6 p.m. – Foton vs F2 Logistics<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/sports/06/18/061818-cignal.jpg"/><figcaption>Cignal HD Spikers</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines — Even as they will be playing without some key personnel, Cignal intends to go all out in its defense of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference crown when the conference opens on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.The HD Spikers insists they are ready to wage war against the top clubs in the PSL, even though they will not have the services of stalwarts Jovelyn Gonzaga, Honey Royse Tubino and Janine Marciano due to injuries.Indeed, their absence only spurred the HD Spikers to work harder and defend the title they won last year together with guest squad Kobe Shinwa University of Japan, according to head coach Edgar Barroga.Gonzaga and Marciano crashed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the tail end of the Grand Prix last year.Tubino joined Cocolife before moving back to the Philippine Army, which will carry the colors of Smart.Also missing from last year’s title-winning squad are Chie Saet and Paneng Mercado, who are now playing in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/volleyball/news/2018/06/15/after-non-selection-pablo-leads-call-ph-team-support-42941">After non-selection, Myla Pablo still leads call for PH team support</a></li></ul>Barroga said the road back to the crown is littered with challenges, but they are working hard to give other squads, especially Petron, F2 Logistics and Foton, a serious run for their money.“To be honest, defending the title is never easy,” said Barroga. “But I can see the players’ willingness and determination. They treat this situation more as a challenge than an obstacle. We may not be as star-studded as last year, but we’re making up for it by working harder.”With those stars gone, Barroga is pinning his hopes on seasoned spiker Rachel Anne Daquis, national pool member Mylene Paat, Janine Navarro and Rialen Sante, as well as middle blockers Cherry Vivas and Shirley Salamagos, playmaker Acy Masangkay and libero Jheck Dionela.Daquis is displaying her vintage form in their past few trainings, prompting Barroga to appoint her as the cornerstone of their bid.“We’re devising some plays, especially for Rachel,” said Barroga, referring to Daquis, the former national team skipper who is now the heart and soul of these HD Spikers.“We know that she’s been hampered with injuries the past couple of conferences. We want to bring back her confidence. We want her to lead us back to the title. She is our leader.”For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website.</a>

Even as they will be playing without some key personnel, Cignal intends to go all out in its defense of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference crown when the conference opens on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Even as they will be playing without some key personnel, Cignal intends to go all out in its defense of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference crown when the conference opens on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.