The Cignal HD Spikers continued their march to the Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference playoffs, downing the IEM Volley Masters in four sets, 23-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-17 for their third win at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Bucking their slow start, Cignal utilized the powerful offense of their wing attackers to punch holes in the IEM defense. The Volley Masters didn’t do themselves any favors either, relinquishing multiple errors that curtailed any momentum they gained.
Even if IEM scored more points off attacks (51-45), their massive 41 errors to Cignal’s 24 cost them the match, their fourth loss in as many matches this season. Cignal’s long-limbed lineup also disrupted IEM’s attackers to the tune of 10 blocks.
Former San Beda Red Lion Saku Capate dished out a team-high 16 points, while Edmar Bononi contributed 10 markers for Cignal. Jeffrey Lansangan managed nine points, four off blocks.
“Motivated talaga kami manalo kasi kailangan namin ‘yung laban para makapasok ng top four. Nag-slow start kami pero binawi namin noong dulo. Siguro kinailangan lang nang kaunting warm-up,” said Cignal head coach Michael Cariño.
Eden Canlas scored a game-high 21 points but was the only Volley Master in double-digits.
Cignal now has a 3-1 slate, second in the standings behind the undefeated PAF Airmen and just ahead of the 2-2 PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters.
Cignal can secure the second spot in the standings with a win on Saturday, November 7 against the Navy Sailors. IEM has the Sta Elena Wrecking Balls on the same day.
The Scores
Cignal (3) – Capate 16, Bonono 10, Lansangan 9, Ybañez 5, Ramos 5, Calderon 4, Faytaren 4, Diezmo 3, Lee 1, Ablan 0, Christensen 0, Relata 0, Montero (L)
IEM (1) – Canlas 21, Dela Calzada 8, Conde 6, Zamora 5, Gatdula 4, Tonquin 4, Jimenez 4, Ordoñez 1, Timbal 1, Cerilles 0, Salcedo 0, Almario (L)
