Cignal dropped its first set in the tournament but managed to take out the gritty National University-Archipelago Builders in four sets, 25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, to complete its elimination round sweep of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
The HD Spikers had won all of its elimination match-ups via sweep prior to this match. They were on the verge of a historic run, but got tripped by a young Volley Builders side in the third set. There, the latter took a 25-23 win to send the game to a fourth frame.
“Well, we accepted na talo talaga kami doon sa third set. Naging complacent kami nung third set e, pero hindi lang naman yun yung pinaka-goal namin,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
“Nakakapanghinayang kasi history yun e, na walang nakatalo sa amin, pero hindi yun yung main objective namin. Ang main objective namin is to be in the championship, to be in the finals, and makabawi ulit sa pagkatalo namin last Conference,” he added.
Marck Espejo flaunted his all-around game for the HD Spikers, scoring a game-high 16 points on eight attacks, four blocks, and four aces. He also had 12 excellent receptions as the Cignal nabbed their 10th win in as many contests.
Wendel Miguel added 13 points while Alfred Valbuena and team captain Ysay Marasigan chipped in 10 and nine markers, respectively.
On the other hand, NU ended their campaign with a 1-9 record.
Mac Bandola and Jan Abanilla led the way for the Volley Builders with 13 and 10 points.
