Bryan Bagunas took over as Cignal drew first blood after knocking down Criss Cross in four sets, 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, in Game 1 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The former league MVP delivered a game-high 26 points on 23 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to go along with 12 excellent receptions.
Moreover, the HD Spikers avenged their semifinals loss to the King Crunchers last Sunday.
(C) Joaqui Flores/Spikers Turf
“Sobrang grateful ako na I have Bryan Bagunas who can perform well in crucial situations. Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako hindi lang kay Bryan kasi it’s a total team effort ng bawat isa sa team,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
The first two sets teased a neck-and-neck encounter between the two squads, but the HD Spikers totally dominated the next two.
They closed out the game after two hours of action and move closer to securing their second consecutive Open Conference championship.
Cignal built a seven-point, 19-12 advantage in the fourth frame after a Bagunas off-the-block hit. They raced to the finish from there, stopping every comeback attempt from the King Crunchers to bag Game 1.
“Expected naman na talagang all-out yung both teams. Talagang may gustong patunayan parehas,” said Clamor.
“It’s all about kung sino yung mas prepared, sino yung mas gutom – kung sino yung mas gustong manalo.”
Jau Umandal scored 15 points on 13 attacks, one ace, and one block. Meanwhile, team captain JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel added 11 points each for the HD Spikers.
Cian Silang continued to fill in for EJ Casana, tossing 17 excellent sets. Vince Lorenzo registered 16 excellent receptions to lead the defense.
(C) Joaqui Flores/Spikers Turf
Meanwhile, Marck Espejo took charge for Criss Cross with 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks.
Jude Garcia tallied 21 points, 20 of which came from attacks. He also had 13 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
No other player from the King Crunchers breached the double-digit mark, with Kim Malabunga adding seven points.
Ish Polvorosa steered the offense with 19 excellent sets, while Manuel Sumanguid collected 12 excellent receptions.
Cignal looks to finish off the series and claim the title while Criss Cross will try to bounce back and keep its championship hopes alive.
The do-or-die match-up is on Friday, 6:00 PM at the same venue.
(C) Joaqui Flores/Spikers Turf
In the third-place series, PGJC-Navy fought back from an early deficit in the extended fourth frame to turn back the Francis Saura-less D’Navigators in four sets, 25-17, 16-25, 25-18, 33-31.
Joeven Dela Vega spearheaded the Sealions with a team-high 17 points on 15 attacks, one ace, and one block.
Meanwhile, Peter Quiel and Greg Dolor each contributed 14 points in their second consecutive victory over the D’Navigators.
On the other hand, Edward Camposano paced the D’Navigators with Saura out. He scored 17 points, 16 of which came from attacks, to go along with 13 excellent receptions.
Navy will try to secure the bronze medal while the D’Navigators will try to fight another day on Friday, 4:00 PM at the same venue.
