Cignal made swift work of the Jude Garcia-less PGJC-Navy, 26-24, 25-21, 25-17, to extend its unbeaten run to four games in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday night.
Marck Espejo returned to action after not playing in the HD Spikers’ last game against Philippine Air Force due to load management and went for 19 points on 16 attacks and three service aces to go with six digs.
But Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor was unhappy with the way his team played in the tight first set, 26-24.
“During the first set I am not impressed kahit nanalo kami, I am not convinced with their performance,” lamented Clamor.
“Naghintay sila kung anong lalaruin ng Navy given na kulang yung Navy. Naging complacent kami during the first set na ayaw ko talagang nagiging mindset ng players,” he added as Garcia did not suit up for the Sealions due to a left ankle sprain he suffered last Sunday.
The HD Spikers though came to their senses in the ensuing frames as Clamor used his entire bench for the second straight game.
Wendel Miguel chimed in 13 points in the victory while JP Bugaoan produced 10 points.
The duo of Christian Marcelino and Greg Dolor did the heavy lifting for Navy with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The Sealions dropped to 1-3, tied for seventh with Vanguard Volley Hitters.
Both squads will be back on Sunday at the same Paco venue. PGJC-Navy will open the day against Philippine Air Force at 3 pm while Cignal will face VNS at 5:30 pm.
