Cignal gave up its first set loss in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference but did just enough to narrowly beat St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 26-24, on Friday evening at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The HD Spikers stayed unbeaten in four games in Pool C while the Blazing Builders fell to 1-3, not enough to reach the quarterfinals.
“Siguro hindi lang kami nakapagprepare on how Benilde plays. Hindi kami nakapagviewing. It boils down to lack of preparation. Nanalo because maybe mas matured, maybe mas experienced players, maybe mas tinapangan,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
The HD Spikers built a 23-21 lead in the fourth set but through Jacob Herrera, Rocky Motol, and an error from their foes, the Blazing Builders forced a deuce at 24.
Then Chu Njigha and Mark Calado hammered back-to-back hits to finish the match for Cignal in one hour and 55 minutes.
Jau Umandal starred in every department for the HD Spikers with 17 points on 11 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces he laced with 17 excellent receptions and 12 digs.
Ysay Marasigan also came through for the winning squad with 14 points, while Calado and Njigha provided 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Arnel Aguilar, who led the Blazing Builders in that 25-21 second set win, finished with 21 points along with 24 receptions and eight digs.
Herrera followed with 16 points while James Marasigan had 10 as well in the losing cause.
Meanwhile, PGJC-Navy and Cabuyao romped to wins as well.
Cabuyao kicked PCU Dasmariñas-SASKIN out of playoff contention with a dominant 25-11, 25-19, 25-19 win while PGJC-Navy extended its winning streak to three games with a 25-20, 25-15, 25-19 win over The Bayleaf Hotels.
The Sealions, after an opening game defeat to Chef on a Diet-FEU, have yet to lose a game, raising their record to 3-1 for solo second in Pool D while also eliminating the Pirates, who remained winless in four games.
Edward Camposano delivered 15 points on 11 attacks, a block, and three aces including the match-clinching service that Bayleaf could not receive properly.
Joeven dela Vega chipped in eight points and six digs, while libero Jack Kalingking shone with 18 excellent receptions.
The Cabstars also boosted their drive for a top two spot in Pool B with a 3-1 record, now at solo second.
Gab Magsino, along with Michael Doria, spearheaded Cabuyao with 12 points apiece, while Jerico Adajar engineered their offense with 17 excellent sets.
Dominic Panganiban also added 10 points for the victors while teammate Jomar Soriano contributed seven points and nine digs.
Carlo Agatep led the 0-4 Dolphins with 11 points.
