Back-to-back defending champion Cignal is in unfamiliar territory in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.
The HD Spikers, winner of the last two editions of the men’s league organized by Sports Vision before the pandemic got their backs against the wall with National University-Sta. Elena taking Game One, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Thursday night at the Paco Arena.
In its past two championships, Cignal swept both occasions so this is the first time in recent memory that the squad will be the one playing catch-up.
And for HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor, his wards’ failure to keep their composure caused them the match.
“Talagang nag-struggle talaga kami lalo na noong third and fourth set hindi namin nacompose yung sarili namin,” said Clamor, whose team got outperformed by the Nationals in all three scoring departments: spiking, blocking, and service.
“Nagkaroon ng emotions, hindi an control ‘yung emotions namin all throughout the game, may mga pagkakataon na iniintindi ‘yung tawag ng referee, may pagkakataon na nafru-frustrate,” he added.
Cignal main libero Manuel Sumanguid was even handed a yellow card late in the third frame.
But for Clamor, he is looking on the bright side of things that this finals series of the Spikers’ Turf is a best-of-three affair.
“Ang importante dito may bawi. Pwede pa kami bumawi sa Game Two,” he said full of optimism.
“Kanina after the game naghuddle kami and first na sinabi ko is to compose ‘yung sarili para sa training namin bukas, positive lang para going to Saturday’s game, mataas ‘yung morale.”
Cignal will look to extend the series on Saturday, 5:30 pm, at the same Paco venue.
