Cignal dominated the first two sets before fashioning out a come-from-behind third frame to beat Vince Himzon-less Saints and Lattes-Letran, 25-16, 25-14, 25-23, and grab solo leadership in Pool C of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena, Friday.
The HD Spikers fell by as much as five in the third set, 3-8, before trailing by a point late, 22-23.
Chu Njigha came to the rescue with a quick kill to tie the game before Cignal’s biggest break as an overreceived ball by Sandy Montero dropped right at the endline to send them at match point before Njigha hammered another quick for the win.
“Medyo slow start nung third set. Hindi reasy yung Second Six. Lack of energy, lack of intensity. It’s a good thing na nanalo kami nung third set,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor.
The HD Spikers improved to 2-0 after also sweeping Santa Rosa in their first game, while the Knights dropped to 1-1 for third in the group.
All but two of the 14 Cignal players fielded were able to score at least a point led by Ysay Marasigan and JP Bugaoan’s eight points apiece.
Lloyd Josafat and Jau Umandal also contributed seven and six points, respectively.
Steven Sta. Maria had eight points for the KNIghts, while Derrick Bautista and Christer Ambrocio had seven points each as well.
The Knights missed the services of Himzon, who is under the weather. He dropped 15 points in their first game.
Cignal will be back on Wednesday against the winless Philippine Coast Guard, while Letran will return on November 15 against St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde.
