The HD Spikers overcame a 22-24 deficit in the third set, rallying for four consecutive points to secure a straight-set win, marking their third straight triumph since a close five-set loss to the Savouge Spin Doctors, giving them a 4-1 record.
D’Navigators, meanwhile, continued its tough run, suffering a fifth straight loss despite several close calls. After a shaky first set, the Iloilo-based team, which edged Chichi DHTSI in five in its first game, rebounded to push Cignal into tight endgame battles in the second and third frames.
In Set 3, where Cignal coach Dexter Clamor opted to field in his second six, the D’Navigators surged ahead at 22-19 and hung on to a 24-22 lead on a Steven Sta. Maria’s off-the-block hit, setting the stage for a possible fourth set.
However, miscues and hesitation plagued the D’Navigators at the critical moment, allowing the HD Spikers to capitalize.
Jau Umandal and Martin Bugaoan stepped up to close out the match, sealing the HD Spikers' victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision powered by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
“Actually nung third set kasi ginamit namin ‘yung second six. So dapat laging ready, kasi ‘yung team na ‘to equally talented players eh. Dapat lang ‘yung second stringers isipin nila kapag gagamitin sila is to contribute,” said Clamor.
“Ganun ‘yung tiwala ko sa kanila na magde-deliver sila. Kahit sinong gamitin sa court, first six or second six, kasi as I said same level nga eh. Kaya lang, hindi pwedeng kapag sila ‘yung gagamitin, nawawala sa focus,” he added.
From there, Umandal took over, hammering an off-the-block hit before Bugaoan foiled Sta. Maria’s attack to end the one-hour, 24-minute contest.
Team captain JP Bugaoan and Umandal scored nine points apiece to lead Cignal, while Louie Ramirez contributed eight points in Cignal’s balanced offensive attack.
The HD Spikers, meanwhile, will test the unbeaten La Salle-EcoOil Green Oilers’ mettle on Friday at 6 p.m.
The D’Navigators, who drew nine points from Vince Himzon and eight markers each from Kyle Villamor and Sta. Maria, will try to end its slump against the VNS Griffins on Sunday at 4 p.m.
