Cignal shrugged off a tight first-set loss, showcasing poise and composure to edge out Far Eastern University-DN Steel, 25-27, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20, and advance to the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference round-robin semifinals.
With their sixth straight victory, the HD Spikers took control of the 10-team field, leading with a 7-1 record. They also ended the semis-bound Ultras’ elimination campaign at 7-2 on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“Slow start. Ang mindset ay parang kaya naman namin ito. Some of the players parang diesel na kinukuha lagi ang rhythm which is hindi dapat ganon,” Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor lamented, despite the win.
“It’s good na ‘yung second-stringers nagperform. Sometimes very limited minutes pero quality. Yun yung hinahanap namin lagi na ang maganda sa team na ito, yung second-stringer, pang first six talaga.”
(C) Jem Ferrer/Spikers Turf Images
With Cignal at set point in the first frame, 25-24, Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala scored back-to-back points for the Ultras – an off-the-block hit and a service ace to put their side on top.
Louie Ramirez then gave Cignal the lead with an attack that sailed out.
However, Cignal, the winningest team in Spikers’ Turf history, took control, winning the second and third sets to claim the lead.
Determined to force a deciding set, FEU-DN Steel came out with renewed vigor in the fourth, even taking a 17-15 lead.
But the HD Spikers’ veteran smarts came into play, as they unleashed an 8-3 finishing run – punctuated by Wendel Miguel’s super spike off a misreceived ball – sealing the win in two hours and five minutes.
Lloyd Josafat led the balanced Cignal offense with 12 points, including eight attacks and four blocks, while JM Ronquillo and Mark Calado contributed 10 points each.
Co-captains JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel also chipped in with nine points apiece in the win.
Cignal will finish its nine-game elimination round schedule on Friday against PGJC Navy at the same venue.
(C) Jem Ferrer/Spikers Turf Images
Espartero led the Ultras’ charge with 17 points, while Jelord Talisayan added 13 points.
FEU-DN Steel outperformed Cignal in spikes, 58-49, but the eventual winners gained the advantage in blocks, 13-4, while also benefiting from the losing side’s 34 errors.
