Determined to avenge their only elimination-round loss, Louie Ramirez led Cignal to a commanding straight-set victory over Savouge in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals.
Ramirez played a pivotal role in the HD Spikers’ 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 win, more than a month after suffering a heartbreaking five-set defeat to the same squad.
The former NCAA MVP, who missed their first meeting, delivered 17 points in an efficient performance, converting 17 of his 28 attack attempts in the one-hour, 27-minute contest.
“Sobrang eager kaming lahat makabawi sa Savouge kasi nga tinalo nila kami nung eliminations, so walang relaxed. Pinag-aralan namin sila nang mabuti kasi gustong-gusto talaga namin kunin ‘yung panalo ngayong semis,” said Ramirez.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The Perpetual standout expressed his eagerness to make an impact in the win, especially after being forced to watch from the sidelines during their earlier loss to Savouge.
“Sobrang eager ako. Every set na binibigay sa’kin, gusto ko patayin. Every training, all-out ako pa lagi,” he shared.
However, Ramirez is quick to recognize that the job is far from finished for the HD Spikers. With three more games left in the semifinals, Cignal remains focused on securing a top-two finish to earn a spot in the winner-take-all final and a shot at the championship they narrowly missed in the previous Invitationals.
“Maglalaro lang ako nang maayos saka gusto kong tumulong talaga sa team, para masuklian ko ‘yung binibigay ng management sa’min. Kaya push ako pa lagi every game, every training,” said Ramirez.
Next up for the HD Spikers is a match against FEU-DN Steel on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
