Cignal extended its winning streak to nine games with a commanding 25-18, 25-20, 25-16 victory over FEU-DN Steel in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The win pushed the HD Spikers closer to the final while leaving the Ultras on the brink of elimination.
The HD Spikers now hold the solo lead in the five-team round-robin semifinals with a 2-0 record. Their next challenge will be against their archrivals, the Criss Cross King Crunchers, on Sunday at the same venue.
“Very commendable ‘yung players off the bench, lalo na si EJ (Casaña) at si Mark (Calado), kasi training pa lang, nakikitaan ko na sila na sobrang pinaghahandaan nila kahit hindi sila first six. Yan ang gusto namin lagi dito sa Cignal – laging aggressive,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Cignal started strong, dominating the first set before displaying resilience in the second frame.
They overcame a 7-11 deficit, igniting a turnaround led by key substitutions.
Clamor’s decision to field in setter-opposite duo EJ Casaña and Mark Calado in place of Owa Retamar and JM Ronquillo proved pivotal.
The pair orchestrated an 18-9 surge, securing the second set and positioning Cignal for the sweep.
The momentum carried into the third set, where the reigning Open Conference champions raced to a 16-8 advantage, sealing the match in just 90 minutes.
“Actually, it’s more on mindset because when it comes to skills, almost the same lang lahat. Ang factor dito ay kung sino yung mas gustong manalo,” said Clamor as he looked ahead to their crucial match against Criss Cross.
Cignal aims to replicate its elimination-round triumph over the Crunchers, a hard-fought 25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11 victory.
Louie Ramirez led the HD Spikers with 14 points, including 12 attacks and two blocks.
Calado, despite limited action, delivered an efficient nine points, converting 9-of-12 spikes.
Lloyd Josafat added nine points, highlighted by three service aces, while Miguel’s contribution included eight points with four blocks.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
FEU-DN Steel fell to 0-2 in the semifinals and faces a must-win situation against the Japanese guest team, KondohGumi Hyogo, on Sunday.
For the Ultras, Dryx Saavedra was the sole bright spot, finishing with 10 points for the second consecutive match. Jelord Talisayan added nine points in the losing effort.
