Defending champion Cignal asserted its dominance over VNS-Laticrete with a commanding 25-13, 25-16, 25-15 sweep to open its campaign in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The HD Spikers wasted no time against the young Griffins, securing the victory in just an hour and 13 minutes to join Criss Cross as the early leaders in the semifinals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Kailangan sa ganitong panahon, mas ma-polish pa namin ‘yung mga problema namin. Dapat din sa ganitong sitwasyon, dapat ang focus na lang namin ‘yung kalaban kung paano magpe-perform ‘yung kalaban against us,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Cignal’s dominance was evident in the numbers, tallying 42 attacks, 10 kill blocks, and six service aces. In contrast, VNS struggled to keep up, managing just 19 attacks, four blocks, and no aces while committing 22 errors.
Louie Ramirez led the charge with 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, along with six excellent receptions. Veterans JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel also stepped up, contributing 10 points each.
“Siguro lumabas ‘yung preparation namin ngayong semifinals. Lalo na magiging dikdikan ‘yung laban. Every point matters para sa team namin ngayon, kaya lahat all out talaga,” said Ramirez.
Steven Rotter added seven points, while Lloyd Josafat and Jau Umandal chipped in five apiece. Setter Owa Retamar orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 19 excellent sets while adding five points of his own.
Cignal looks to keep its momentum going when it takes on Savouge on Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
On the other hand, VNS struggled to break through Cignal’s impenetrable net defense, converting just 19 of its 79 attack attempts in the loss.
CJ Segui was held to six points, while KC Culabat contributed five. Jayvee Sumagaysay and Rash Nursiddik added four points each for the Griffins, who now share the bottom spot with the Spin Doctors at 0-1.
VNS will aim to bounce back when it faces Criss Cross on Wednesday at 3:30 PM.
