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.
Games in the tournament, backed by ArenaPlus, Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa, can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.
