Cignal overcame a tough challenge from Savouge Aesthetics, scoring a straight-set 25-15, 27-25, 25-23 sweep en route to its third consecutive victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
Jau Umandal came up big for the HD Spikers anew, finishing with 23 points on 23 attacks to go along with 10 excellent receptions.
And his performance helped Cignal tighten its grip on the top spot with a perfect 3-0 record.
The Spin Doctors tried to extend the game after going toe-to-toe against the reigning champs in the third set. Lorenz Senoron scored on a cross-court attack that tied the game at 23-all.
However, that proved to be it for Savouge, who overcame a three-point deficit late in the frame.
JP Bugaoan then scored on back-to-back plays to seal the win.
Cignal had to fight back a gritty Spin Doctors side in the extended second frame, leaning on Umandal, who broke a 25-all tie with consecutive attacks to give the HD Spikers a commanding 2-0 advantage.
“It’s not the performance na gusto naming mangyari for this game. Of course, hindi kami satisfied sa nagiging performance namin kasi alam naming may mas ibubuga pa, may mas ipapakita pa,” said HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor.
“Kahit na panalo kami, lagi pa rin kaming naghahanap ng room for improvement.”
Bugaoan ended up with 11 points for Cignal in the one-hour, 24-minute encounter. Meanwhile, Lloyd Josafat and Mark Calado chipped in five points each.
Cignal will look to extend its winning streak to four against Philippine Air Force on Wednesday, 6:00 PM at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
On the other hand, Senoron led the way for the Spin Doctors with 13 points on 13 attacks. He also had 13 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
No other player reached the double-digit mark for the 1-1 Savouge.
The Spin Doctors will try to bounce back against Iloilo on Sunday, 4:00 PM at the Paco Arena in Manila.
