RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL – With their ‘four-peat’ bid on the line, Cignal handed previously unbeaten Kindai University its first loss, 25-20, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, in the semifinals of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
Just one loss away from elimination, the Super Spikers bounced back from a painful defeat against Savouge yesterday, channeling their frustration against the Japanese guest team and improving their semifinals record to 2-2.
“Sabi ko kanina nung huddle, hindi namin alam ‘yung magiging sitwasyon namin. Ang pinaka importante, ipanalo namin ‘yung remaining games namin then bahala na si Lord kung san kami dadalhin,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Cignal fell just short of a crucial sweep in the extended third set but never lost focus. They came out firing in the fourth set, quickly building a 19-10 lead and cruising to a hard-fought, one-hour and 44-minute victory.
The Super Spikers’ dominant blocking proved pivotal, tallying 15 blocks—nearly double Kindai University’s eight—and consistently shutting down the Japanese side’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Jay Rack De La Noche delivered his best performance in his rookie campaign, finishing with 22 points on 19 attacks and three kill blocks, breathing life back into Cignal’s dwindling finals hopes in the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
“Kasi after ng loss namin sa Savouge, wala po kaming ensayo. Siguro yung ginawa namin yung mindset namin na hindi pa tapos yung laban,” De La Noche said after their bounce-back win in the tourney supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Arena Plus, and Black Mamba.
Jau Umandal contributed an all-around effort with 18 points, nine excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions, while JP and Martin Bugaoan combined for seven blocks and finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Wendel Miguel, forced to exit after crashing into the bench while attempting to save a loose ball, still managed nine points and eight excellent digs.
Cignal’s fate is no longer entirely in their hands; they must sweep winless ProVolley Academy of Australia on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre to keep their championship hopes alive.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Kindai University, meanwhile, appeared to lose steam after a scorching start that saw them sweep ProVolley Academy, Criss Cross, and University of Santo Tomas–Gameville, sliding to 3-1. Aun Ryutaro led the Japanese squad with 27 points on 24 attacks and three kill blocks.
Kindai University will aim to bounce back against unbeaten Savouge Aesthetics on Thursday at 5 p.m.
All games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
