Defending champion Cignal cruised to its third consecutive victory in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, sweeping a young VNS-Laticrete squad, 25-21, 25-13, 25-19, Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The HD Spikers, who rotated their lineup in the third set, continued their dominant run and secured a share of the top spot with Criss Cross.
The two teams hold identical 3-0 records in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“I gave playing time sa second six kasi pagdating naman sa ensayo, pare-parehas lang sila nagpapakahirap. Actually, maganda ‘yung naging performance ng second six, nakapag-rest ng maayos ‘yung first six. It’s a team effort,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
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Steven Rotter led the charge once again, tallying 15 points — 13 off attacks — along with four excellent digs, despite playing only the first two sets. Jau Umandal contributed 10 points and four excellent receptions.
Starting setter Owa Retamar sat out due to load management, while veteran defensive specialist Sandy Montero was sidelined with back pain.
In Retamar’s absence, EJ Casaña and Cian Silang alternated in orchestrating the offense, while Wendel Miguel stepped in as libero, supporting Vince Lorenzo.
Cignal also welcomed back Louie Ramirez, who made his much-anticipated return after missing two games due to a nagging shoulder injury. Ramirez finished with five points in his season debut.
The HD Spikers imposed their dominance in all departments, registering 50 attacks, 11 kill blocks, and four aces. In contrast, VNS struggled to keep up, managing only 28 attacks, two blocks, and failing to record a single service ace.
Cignal will aim for its fourth straight win when it faces PGJC-Navy on Sunday at 1:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
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Meanwhile, the Griffins, who played without veteran middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay, fell to 0-3 in the standings.
CJ Segui led VNS with 11 points, 12 excellent receptions, and four excellent digs. Rash Nursiddik and Kenneth Culabat chipped in five and four points, respectively, but no other Griffin reached double digits.
Still searching for their first win of the conference, VNS will take on Alpha Insurance on Sunday at 3:30 PM.
