Cignal, led by its seasoned roster, swept the youthful De La Salle-EcoOil in emphatic fashion, 25-21, 25-12, 25-19, to secure their fourth straight win in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
This victory not only catapulted the HD Spikers to solo second place at 5-1 but also handed the Green Oilers their first loss of the tournament.
“I’m very happy lalo na nung second set na ang errors namin ay four lang. I was quite pissed off during the first set kasi we had 10 errors… I’m very happy kasi alam naman natin ang mga bata aggressive yan,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
“During the huddle, I told my players you were the star players in your teams during your collegiate years. It’s not yabang, it’s pride na talented tayong lahat, university ang kalaban na mas bata sa atin, dapat hindi tayo magpapatalo,” added the champion mentor.
Cignal’s depth and experience shone brightest, especially in the third set, where La Salle showed signs of resurgence.
The Green Oilers took a 12-10 lead midway, but the likes of Louie Ramirez, JM Ronquillo, Wendel Miguel, and Lloyd Josafat delivered in crunch time to seal the win in just 85 minutes.
Ramirez spearheaded the attack with 16 points on an efficient 15-of-24 clip, while Josafat and Miguel added nine points each.
Ronquillo contributed eight points against his alma mater, and JP Bugaoan chipped in seven, highlighted by four blocks.
La Salle’s Noel Kampton fought valiantly with 12 points and eight receptions, but the Green Oilers slid to 4-1, tying them with the Criss Cross King Crunchers at third place.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Earlier in the day, PGJC Navy reignited their semifinals hopes with a gritty 25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22 triumph over suddenly-struggling Savouge.
The Sealions improved to 4-3, solidifying their hold on sixth place, while Savouge stumbled to their second consecutive loss, falling to 4-2.
“Itong Savouge talagang pinaghandaan namin,” said PGJC Navy head coach Mike Santos. “Nag-hard training talaga kami after namin matalo sa La Salle, at lumabas naman ngayon ‘yung resulta.”
PGJC Navy displayed a balanced offensive approach orchestrated by setter Louie Pudadera, who dished out 17 excellent sets and scored three points.
Five Sealions scored in double digits, led by Joeven dela Vega with 18 points, including eight excellent receptions and five digs.
Marvin Villanueva added 15 markers, while Peter Quiel dominated the net with seven blocks to tally 14 points.
Despite a spirited effort from Savouge’s Sherwin Caritativo, who tallied 19 points and 19 receptions, and Louis Gamban’s 14 markers, the Spin Doctors couldn’t overcome Navy’s composed attack.
Cignal will take on VNS on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., while La Salle battles Far Eastern University-DN Steel at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, PGJC Navy will aim to continue their momentum against Martelli Meats on Nov. 27.
