Cignal eyes to solidify hold on No. 2 spot vs Foton

Games Saturday:

(Cuneta Astrodome)

2 p.m. – Mane 'N Tail vs RC Cola-Air Force (W)

4 p.m. – Cignal vs Foton (W)

6 p.m. – Cavite vs Maybank (M)

MANILA, Philippines – After absorbing a shocking defeat, Cignal troops back to war zone, looking to tighten its grip on the second spot of the 2014 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The HD Spikers clash with struggling Foton at 4 p.m. following the 2 p.m. battle between Mane 'N Tail and RC Cola-Air Force in the women's division of this prestigious inter-club tournament organized by Sports Core with Air 21, My Phone, Via Mare, Mikasa, Mueller Sports Medicine, Healthway Medical, Generika Drugstore, LGR and Jinling Sports as technical partners.

Cavite, on the other hand, hunts for its first win as it faces Maybank in the men's side at 6 p.m.

Led by the hard-hitting duo of Sarah Ammerman and Lindsay Stalzer, the HD Spikers were unstoppable early on as they posted a pair of convincing wins over powerhouses RC Cola-Air Force and Mane 'N Tail to seize the early leadership.

But against Petron – a powerful side anchored by American looker Alaina Bergsma and Brazilian sensation Erica Adachi – the HD Spikers crashed back to earth as they swallowed a sorry 17-25, 20-25, 23-25 setback to send them back to the drawing board.

"That loss should serve as a wake-up call," said Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar. "Petron was two steps ahead. They did their homework and came out prepared. We have to do well in our next game to regain our momentum."

Acaylar, in particular, noted that their locals like Royse Tubino and Abigail Praca should also step up and help their imports carry the scoring and defensive cudgels against a hungry Foton squad, which gave Generika a good fight before rolling over to a 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 15-25 setback in its previous outing.

"We can't take them for granted," Acaylar said. "That's why our locals should also step up both offensively and defensively. Hindi pwedeng basta umasa na lang sa mga imports."

Also tipped to catch attention is Kristy Jaeckel, Mane 'N Tail's gem of an import who perfectly displays skills, power, grace and beauty.

In their recent 25-22, 17-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8 win over Foton, the lovely Jaeckel delivered 32 attacks, four blocks and four aces to finish with a tournament-high 40 points, shattering the previous record of 36 markers notched by Dindin Santiago of Petron last conference.

And against RC Cola-Air Force, which fell to a 30-28, 23-25, 16-25, 19-25 setback to leader Petron late Wednesday, Jaeckel and the Lady Stallions are expected to sizzle to capture the solo third spot.

"Kristy is the best import in this league," said Lady Stallions coach Francis Vicente after booking a scary win over the Tornadoes. "But all her effort will be futile if she won't get enough support from the locals. Volleyball is a team game. Everybody must step up and contribute if we want to go far."

Aside from Jaeckel, also expected to deliver are Mitch Datuin, Lilet Mabbayad and Michiko Castaneda with Kaylee Manns setting the plays to counter the power of the Raiders' Bonita Wise, Emily Brown, Joy Cases and Maika Ortiz.