Defending champion Cignal inched closer to a return trip to the Finals after silencing the D’Navigators in straight sets, 25-14, 25-21, 25-17, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Friday.
The HD Spikers, who swept the eight-game elimination round, now possess a 2-0 record (6 points) in the round-robin semis.
Now, they’re aiming for a sixth-straight Finals appearance – dating back to the 2019 Reinforced.
“Sabi ko nga during the huddle, mataas yung momentum ng D’Navigators kasi tinalo nila yung Criss Cross. So kailangan maging handa kami, kailangan i-challenge namin sila na hindi sila makakuha ng momentum sa amin,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
Unlike in the first set, where the HD Spikers took control right from the get-go, they needed to unleash a late spurt in the second.
Jau Umandal, Lloyd Josafat, Bryan Bagunas, and JP Bugaoan linked up for five straight points to turn a 17-all deadlock into a 22-17 lead.
They eventually closed the frame with a 25-21 win for a commanding 2-0 set lead.
It was smooth sailing for Cignal from there. Umandal and Bagunas joined hands to finish the match in just one hour and 26 minutes against a D’Navigators side that was coming off a morale-boosting four-set win against Criss Cross.
The HD Spikers will look to avoid any complications as they go for a repeat win against new rival King Crunchers on Sunday, 12:00 PM, at the same Manila arena.
Umandal led the charge with 17 points, while Bagunas followed with 16 points to go with seven excellent receptions.
Josafat and Bugaoan delivered 11 points apiece as well against the D’Navigators, who only committed 13 errors.
Cignal had to overcome challenges before the match even began. Wing spiker Mark Calado and setter EJ Casaña had collided during the warmup period.
They were both brought to the nearest medical facility.
The D’Navigators fell to 1-1 and will look to rebound on Sunday as well at 10 AM against PGJC-Navy for a chance to enter the best-of-three finale.
Edward Camposano was the lone player in double figures for the losing squad with 12 points.
Meanwhile, Francis Saura was limited to just seven points after going for 20 against Criss Cross.
