Cignal turned to its second unit as it took care of business against also-ran Saints and Lattes-Letran, 25-10, 25-18, 25-20, to complete its sweep of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Already qualified for the finale, HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor utilized the team’s second unit and gave his starters a much-needed breather in preparation for their upcoming showdown against National U-Sta. Elena on Friday.
“Kudos sa second stringers namin. Kung mapansin mo, talagang walang pinasok na (starters). Si Wendell (Miguel) lang ‘di ba? Halos walang pinasok na first six,” said Clamor after the quick win that extended their winning run to nine games in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The HD Spikers dominated the first and second sets, before fighting off a tough stand put up by the Saints Spikers in the third frame.
In that tense moment, Bem-Bem Bautista scored through the block to pull Letran to within two, 19-21.
Alfred Valbuena then took over, scoring three points in a 4-1 finishing kick to finish off the game.
“Yung second stringers namin nag-trabaho talaga, gusto nilang makatulong na makapagpahinga yung first six namin in preparation sa game namin sa Friday,” he added.
Four players reached double figures in scoring for the 4-0 HD Spikers. Valbuena led the way with 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces to go along with four excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Chu Njigha tallied 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks.
Mark Calado and Lloyd Josafat each scored 11 points in the one-hour, nine-minute contest while Vince Abrot added seven markers.
Jau Umandal, Ysay Marasigan, JP Bugaoan, Peter Torres, EJ Casana, and Manuel Sumanguid sat out the match.
Geuel Asia stepped up as well with 23 excellent sets while Sandy Montero recorded 11 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Bautista and Vince Himzon paced the Saints Spikers with 12 and 11 points, respectively, Letran, which ended the semis with a 2-2 card, heads to the third-place match against the winner of the match between Maruichi Hyogo and Kinto Tyres-Perpetual.
