CIGNAL remained unbeaten in three starts as it solidified its hold of the top spot in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Saturday with straight sets victory over winless Meralco at the Astrodome.
Ariel Usher led the way anew for the HD Spikers with a game-high 24 points in the 25-17, 25-18, 25-17 win.
The heroics came following her 30-point explosion in Cignal’s previous victory over Philips Gold last week, watched no less by her parents, Sandra and Carl, who flew in from the US to support their daughter’s first overseas assignment.
“We work hard in practice and we did everything as a team,” said Usher, who’s averaging a whopping 28 points in Cignal's first three games.
“Having my parents here is awesome. They came in yesterday to provide support to me. I mean, it's really awesome. I feel really nice to have a good game with my parents around."
Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar marveled at the impressive performance of his players, although the veteran mentor was quick to down play his team's early success, stressing the HD Spikers are still a work in progress.
"We're very happy, but I still tell the girls that they should still maintain their focus and intensity," said Acaylar. "Every game is a challenge for me and my team. We will continue working hard to further improve our performance and make sure that we'll be ready against other top caliber teams."
Usher's fellow import Amanda Anderson, and Bacolod native Fritz Joy Gallenero chipped in 11 points apiece for the HD Spikers, who needed only an hour and 13 seconds to diffuse the Power Spikers.
Meralco continued to struggle as it lost for the fourth straight time and missed the services of import Christina Alessi.
Although it waged a mini-rally in the third set by erasing a 10-20 deficit and moved to within four, Meralco still proved no match against the tandem of Usher and Gallenero, who asserted their might to seal the victory for Cignal.
Import Liis Kullerkann and skipper Cha Cruz led Meralco’s charge with 11 points apiece.
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