Defending champion Cignal overpowered a young and inexperienced VNS-Laticrete squad, securing a dominant 25-21, 25-13, 25-19 victory in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum late Wednesday.
The HD Spikers, now at 3-0, matched the unbeaten run of their arch-rival Criss Cross, asserting their status as title contenders in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Head coach Dexter Clamor maximized his roster’s depth, fielding in his second-stringers at the start of the third set. The move allowed Cignal’s key players to rest while still maintaining control of the match.
"I gave playing time to the second six because in training, everyone works equally hard. They performed well, which allowed our starters to rest. It was a team effort," said Clamor in Filipino.
Despite playing only the first two sets, Steven Rotter led the charge with 15 points, including 13 attacks, while also contributing four excellent digs. Jau Umandal added 10 points and four excellent receptions in the win.
Setter Owa Retamar sat out for load management, while defensive specialist Sandy Montero was sidelined due to back pain. In their absence, EJ Casaña and Cian Silang efficiently ran the offense, while Wendel Miguel stepped in as libero to support Vince Lorenzo.
Meanwhile, Louie Ramirez made his much-awaited return after a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury, finishing with five points.
Cignal showcased its dominance across all departments, racking up 50 attack points, 11 kill blocks and four aces.
In contrast, VNS-Laticrete struggled after a tight first-set battle, finishing with just 28 attack points and two blocks.
The HD Spikers will aim for their fourth consecutive win when they face the PGJC-Navy Sealions on Sunday at 1 p.m., also at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Meanwhile, the Griffins, who missed veteran middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay, dropped to 0-3.
CJ Segui was their lone bright spot, tallying 11 points, 12 receptions, and four digs, but received little support. Rash Nursiddik and Kenneth Culabat managed just five and four points, respectively.
VNS-Laticrete will look to bounce back when they battle fellow winless squad Alpha Insurance Protectors on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
