Defending champion Cignal averted a major collapse while the D’Navigators got back on the winning track in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
The HD Spikers survived a tough stand from also-ran VNS-Nasty in five sets, 22-25, 25-21, 26-28, 26-24, 15-8, while the D’Navigators broke its two-game slide, dispatching also-ran RichMarc Sports 3B in dominant fashion, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor gave his second six a big opportunity in the first three sets, but the team ended up trailing 1-2 which forced him to field back his starting lineup, who then delivered to salvage the win, which extended their winning run to seven games in as many outings.
“Nag-relax. Actually, binigyan ng chance yung second six eh kaso hindi nag-perform. So it’s good na pagbalik ng first six, nag-perform sila. Medyo slow start din kami so we will work on that aspect na kailangan from the very start mataas na agad yung intensity,” said Clamor.
With the Griffins looking to close the game out in the fourth set, JP Bugaoan stepped up and broke a 24-all deadlock with a quick attack to put the HD Spikers ahead. He then blocked Kenneth Culabat to force a fifth set.
VNS managed to keep in step with the reigning champions early, but reigning MVP Jau Umandal had other things in mind.
Umandal took over and scored six points, including four straight, in a pivotal 7-0 run that gave them a 12-6 cushion, enough to fend off the hard-fighting Griffins after two hours and nine minutes of play.
“Aayusin namin yung laro namin para sa last game namin ng elimination round. Para ‘pag dating ng semifinals, maayos yung maging performance namin,” said Clamor.
Madz Gampong top scored for the HD Spikers with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks while Umandal, who only played in three sets, and Bugaoan added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Cian Silang tossed 29 excellent sets to go along with three points while Vince Lorenzo tallied 26 excellent receptions to go along with three excellent digs.
Cignal will take on already-eliminated Maverick on Friday, 2:00 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in hopes of ending the elimination round with an unbeaten slate.
Meanwhile, VNS fell to 2-5 in the standings to remain at the sixth spot.
Culabat led the Griffins with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs in the loss while Wewe Medina and Rocky Motol added 19 and 16, respectively. Jester Bornel also had 13 points.
VNS looks to cap off its campaign with a victory against also-ran Philippine Air Force also on Friday at 4:00 p.m.
In the first game, the D’Navigators, who were coming off back-to-back losses against Cignal and Criss Cross, picked up a big bounce back win over the Elite Spikers to tie PGJC-Navy at the third slot with identical 5-2 slates.
Francis Saura took charge in the dominant victory, scoring 11 points on five attacks, four blocks, and one ace while Justine Santos tallied 10 points on six attacks, three blocks, and one ace in the 78-minute match.
The D’Navigators will try to bolster its semifinals bid and break the tie against the Sealions on Sunday, 6:00 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Meanwhile, the Elite Spikers remained winless after seven outings to remain at the last spot.
Veteran middle blocker Bonjomar Castel led the way with nine points while the pair of Kernel Ipulan and Mel De Guzman added seven points apiece in the loss.
RichMarc will look to end its campaign with a win against Maverick also on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
