Defending champion Cignal made quick work of debuting team Alpha Insurance, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, to kick off its three-peat bid in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Even without Louie Ramirez, the HD Spikers cruised through the first two sets before grinding out a tight finish in the third.
The team secured its first win, joining Savouge atop the standings in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
Alpha Insurance threatened to extend the match after Vincent Nadera gave them a two-point cushion, 19-17, late in the third set. However, Cignal showcased its championship composure, responding with a 6-0 run to reclaim control.
The HD Spikers caught a break when crucial errors by Rommelito Bautista and Jefferson Abuniawan tied the game at 19-all. Vince Abrot then blocked Nadera to push Cignal ahead, 20-19, before Steven Rotter took over at the service line, firing three consecutive aces to extend their lead to 23-19.
Rotter misfired on his next serve, giving Alpha a free point, but Abrot quickly responded with a sharp cross-court hit to bring Cignal to match point.
The Protectors mounted a last-ditch 3-0 run, but JJ Javelona’s attack error sealed the win for the HD Spikers after an hour and 23 minutes of play.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Of course, marami pa kaming kailangang i-improve, marami pa ring unforced errors. Siguro ‘yung unang game, nangangapa pa, pero dapat next game mas okay na ‘yung lalaruin ng bawat isa,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
“Also, there are some players na may injury. Hopefully, next game makalaro sila at maka-contribute, especially si Louie (Ramirez),” he added, as the Perpetual standout sat out due to a nagging shoulder injury.
With Ramirez sidelined, Rotter — who missed most of the last conference while recovering from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain — stepped up and delivered 11 points off five attacks, four aces, and two blocks.
Jau Umandal contributed 10 points, eight coming from attacks, along with four excellent receptions. Meanwhile, team captain JP Bugaoan added nine points built on six attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace.
Cignal will face Savouge in a highly anticipated showdown on Sunday at 3:30 PM at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance played its debut match without head coach Mike Santos and assistant coach Arnold Laniog. The two were in Iloilo with PLDT for the final preliminary game of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Assistant coach Melvin Carolino stepped in to lead the Protectors.
Javelona paced Alpha Insurance with 10 points off eight attacks, one block, and one ace, while team captain Edward Camposano was limited to eight points.
The Protectors will aim for their first franchise win when they take on Criss Cross on Sunday at 6:00 PM.
