Even with their Finals streak snapped after the first match, Cignal showed resilience by defeating ProVolley Academy, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20, in a tune-up for the bronze medal clash of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Super Spikers closed the semifinals with a 3-2 record — falling short of what could have been their ninth consecutive Finals appearance.
Cignal will face the loser of the ongoing matchup between Savouge Aesthetics and Kindai University in the fight for third place in the league, organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Black Mamba, and Arena Plus.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Kahit na wala na kaming chance sa Finals, kailangan ibigay pa rin namin ‘yung best namin. Medyo mabigat maglaro kasi nandoon pa rin ‘yung panghihinayang. But at least yung second six nung ipinasok ko sila, talagang ginusto nila maglaro,” said Super Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor.
The trio of Samuel Hansen, Isaac Relova, and Zac O’Brien gave the Australians a 15-13 lead in the third set, but Cignal refused to surrender.
JM Ronquillo spearheaded the Super Spikers’ comeback, with Nas Gwaza, Steven Rotter, and Vince Abrot also contributing, as Cignal closed out the match in one hour and 13 minutes.
Jau Umandal led all scorers with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Ronquillo added 13 points in just two sets of action.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
KC Andrade also impressed with eight points as Cignal dominated the spiking category, 45-25 — a 20-point margin.
For ProVolley Academy, Hansen led with nine points, while Relova and O’Brien had five points each. The Australians finished the semifinals winless at 0-5.
Games air live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as on the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Matches are also streamed via spikersturf.ph.
