Cignal gave Bryan Bagunas a fitting welcome, dominating Philippine Air Force in straight sets, 25-10, 25-21, 25-15, to take the solo lead in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The HD Spikers rose to the top of the standings, hiking their record to a league-best 4-0 to break a three-way tie with Criss Cross and the D’Navigators.
Bagunas was coming off his second consecutive title with WinStreak in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan.
He made his first appearance for Cignal after missing the team’s first three outings.
The former Spikers’ Turf MVP, who was yet to log practice with his new team, played off the bench.
He subbed in during the second set and finishing with eight points on eight attacks.
“Sobrang laki ng adjustments namin kasi hindi siya nakapag-training, kakarating lang niya kahapon. So we will work on how Bryan can adapt our system kasi siyempre, iba yung sistema sa Taiwan,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
JP Bugaoan paced the HD Spikers with 16 points on nine attacks and five blocks to go along with two service aces.
Meanwhile, Jau Umandal tallied 11 points on five attacks, three blocks, and three aces in just two sets played.
Mark Calado added nine markers in the one-hour, 13-minute victory. Wendel Miguel and Lloyd Josafat chipped in six points each for Cignal.
“Meron pa rin kaming mga lapses na kailangan pa rin i-workout during training para sa susunod na game, ma-polish namin nang maayos,” he added.
The HD Spikers registered 44 attack points in just 82 attempts while also feasting above the net and on the service line with 12 blocks and eight aces.
On the other hand, the Airmen only had 20 attacks and seven blocks.
Cignal will face off against powerhouse Criss Cross in a much-anticipated match on April 14, Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, Air Force dropped their third consecutive game, slipping to 1-3 in the standings.
Bryan Jaleco led the way with eight points while Wesley Cajolo had seven markers.
Air Force looks to end its losing streak when they take on the winless Maverick on April 12, Friday, 6:00 PM in Ynares.
