Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor praised Jau Umandal for remaining prepared during the HD Spikers’ tense encounter against the also-ran VNS-Nasty last Wednesday.
Clamor chose to give his second six a chance to play against the Griffins, but the team found themselves down a set after three.
That forced the champion coach to field his regular starters led by Umandal and JP Bugaoan.
The starters managed to force a fifth set after Bugaoan delivered two crucial points to help rescue the HD Spikers in the extended fourth frame.
Then it was Umandal’s turn in the final frame, unleashing a barrage of attacks that allowed Cignal to pull away for good, securing their seventh consecutive win of the tournament.
“Maganda yung mindset niya. Ganun naman talaga dapat eh, you must be ready all the time. Kahit sino ang gagamitin, dapat handa,” said Clamor.
“It’s a good thing na down by one set, 2-1, during the fourth set, ginamit ko ulit yung first six at nag-perform sila. Pero kulang pa rin, buti na lang nanalo. Sa fifth set ‘yun na talaga yung laro nila,” he added.
Umandal took charge in the decider, unleashing six points in a blistering 7-0 run that gave the HD Spikers a 12-6 cushion. That eventually proved enough for them to put away VNS for good after two hours and nine minutes of play.
“Nag-relax yung second six. Binigyan ko ng pagkakataon yung second six, kaso hindi nag-perform. So it’s good na pagbalik ng first six, nag-perform sila. Medyo mabagal din ang simula namin, kaya kailangan naming pagbutihin yung pagiging intense mula sa simula pa lang,” said Clamor.
Clamor stressed the importance for each and every player on the team to be ready at all times, especially heading into the semifinals.
“Dapat ganun ang lahat. Hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawang tao. Dapat buong team.”
