Cignal averted disaster late in the third set to defeat the struggling D’Navigators Iloilo, 25-16, 25-23, 26-24, securing their third consecutive victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The HD Spikers have now won three straight games since their loss to Savouge on October 25. They have tied the Spin Doctors for third place with identical 4-1 records in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Actually, in the third set, we used the second six,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. “They should always be ready because this team has equally talented players. The second stringers need to understand that when they’re called upon, they must contribute.
“I have that trust in them to deliver. Whether it’s the first six or second six on the court, as I said, they are at the same level. But they can’t lose focus when it’s their turn to play,” he added.
Cignal seemed on track for a quick sweep before the D’Navigators mounted a comeback, taking a 22-19 lead in the third set. They extended it to 24-22 after an off-the-block hit from Steven Sta. Maria.
However, the HD Spikers kept their composure, capitalizing on back-to-back errors from Sta. Maria and Kyle Ramones to tie the game at 24-all.
From there, Jau Umandal took charge, delivering an off-the-block hit before Martin Bugaoan blocked Sta. Maria’s attack at the net to seal the victory after an hour and 24 minutes.
Team captain JP Bugaoan and Umandal led Cignal with nine points each, while Louie Ramirez added eight in a well-rounded offensive effort.
Cignal will look to extend their winning streak to four when they face the unbeaten La Salle-EcoOil on Friday at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the D’Navigators suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, falling to a 1-5 record in the Invitational Conference, powered by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Vince Himzon led Iloilo with nine points, including six attacks and three blocks, while Kyle Villamor and Sta. Maria contributed eight points each.
The D’Navigators will try to snap their slump when they face VNS on Sunday at 4:00 PM at Ynares.
