Cignal asserted its dominance in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals with a resounding 25-13, 25-16, 25-15 victory over VNS-Laticrete at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
The HD Spikers overwhelmed the young Griffins in all departments, wrapping up the match in just 73 minutes. The win allowed them to match the strong start of their arch-rivals, the Criss Cross King Crunchers, in the single-round Final Four of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Criss Cross earlier trounced Savouge, also in three sets.
Despite the commanding performance, Cignal remains focused on fine-tuning its game as it continues its title-retention campaign.
“At this stage, we need to polish our weaknesses. Our focus should be on analyzing how our opponents perform against us,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
The HD Spikers dominated with 42 attacks, 10 kill blocks, and six service aces, while VNS managed just 19 attacks, four blocks, and no aces. The Griffins also struggled with errors, committing 22 unforced mistakes against a powerhouse, seasoned opponent.
Louie Ramirez spearheaded the HD Spikers' attack with 13 points, including 12 kills, while also contributing six excellent receptions. JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel added 10 points each.
“Our preparation really showed in the semifinals. Every match will be tough, and every point matters for our team, so we’re giving it our all,” said Ramirez in Filipino.
Steven Rotter chipped in seven points, while Lloyd Josafat and Jau Umandal added five markers apiece.
Playmaker Owa Retamar orchestrated the offense masterfully, tallying 19 excellent sets along with five points. With their sights set on a rematch against the King Crunchers next Sunday – who defeated them twice in the preliminaries – the HD Spikers are leaving nothing to chance.
Cignal will look to secure its second straight win when it clashes with Savouge on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
VNS found itself unable to break through Cignal’s defensive wall, converting only 19 of its 79 attack attempts. Top scorer CJ Segui was limited to just six points after consistently delivering double-digit performances in the elims.
KC Culabat also struggled with five points, while Jayvee Sumagaysay and Rash Nursiddik added four markers each for the Griffins, who will take on the King Crunchers, also on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
