Cignal narrowly averted a major upset by thwarting VNS-Nasty in five, 22-25, 25-21, 26-28, 26-24, 15-8, inching closer to completing a sweep of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference eliminations at the Paco Arena Wednesday night.
Coach Dexter Clamor provided significant minutes to his backup roster in the first three sets, but they fell short, trailing 1-2, prompting him to revert to his starting lineup, which responded and secured the victory that extended their win run to seven games.
“Nag-relax. Actually, binigyan ng chance yung second six eh kaso hindi nag-perform. So it’s good na pagbalik ng first six, nag-perform sila. Medyo slow start din kami so we will work on that aspect na kailangan from the very start mataas na agad yung intensity,” said Clamor.
With the Griffins threatening to close out the game in the fourth set, JP Bugaoan stepped up for the HD Spikers, shattering a 24-all count with a quick attack. He then blocked Kenneth Culabat to send the match into a deciding set.
VNS managed to keep in step with the reigning champions early, but MVP Jau Umandal took control, dropping six points, including four straight, in a pivotal 7-0 run that gave Cignal a 12-6 cushion.
They held sway from there with Umandal sealing their two-hour, nine-minute victory with another decisive kill.
“Aayusin namin yung laro namin para sa last game namin ng elimination round. Para ‘pag dating ng semifinals, maayos yung maging performance namin,” said Clamor.
Madz Gampong top scored for the HD Spikers with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks, while Umandal, who only played in three sets, and Bugaoan added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Cian Silang tossed 29 excellent sets and added three points while Vince Lorenzo tallied 26 excellent receptions and finished with three excellent digs.
Cignal goes for the sweep against Maverick on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, VNS fell to 2-5 and remained at sixth spot.
Culabat led the Griffins with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs while Wewe Medina and Rocky Motol added 19 and 16, respectively. Jester Bornel also contributed 13 points for the Griffins, who will wrap up their campaign against the Air Force side, also on Friday.
