Cignal battled Savouge kill-for-kill and dig-for-dig in an intense five-set showdown, rallying from a three-point deficit and withstanding a fierce late comeback to secure a 27-25, 20-25, 28-30, 25-22, 15-13 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Wednesday.
The match, which stretched to two hours and 15 minutes, ended on a disappointing note for Savouge, as crucial service errors sealed the HD Spikers’ hard-fought win.
While the Spin Doctors pushed Cignal to the limit, experience and composure ultimately prevailed. The HD Spikers capitalized on their opponent’s wavering finish, extending their record to 6-1 while handing the Spin Doctors their third loss in seven games.
"I shuffled the lineup and rotated players. The good thing about this is that those who were eager to play, especially Martin (Bugaoan) and (Vince Abrot), performed very well tonight," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
Steven Rotter, who did not play in the first two sets, made an immediate impact in the fifth, sparking Cignal’s comeback from a 2-6 deficit with three consecutive aces, including a contested one that went in their favor.
Mark Calado countered with back-to-back hits for Savouge, but Martin Bugaoan responded with three straight quick attacks, pushing Cignal ahead 9-8, a lead the HD Spikers never relinquished.
Though Calado’s backrow attacks helped Savouge pull even at 10, Cignal’s defense held firm. The HD Spikers then capitalized on costly errors, including Hero Austria’s service fault after Madz Gampong had brought Savouge within striking distance at 12-13.
Then after Gampong delivered another kill, Giles Torres misfired on a crucial serve, sending it long and handing Cignal the victory.
Five players finished in double digits for Cignal, led by team captain Wendel Miguel, who fired 18 points and registered 12 excellent receptions and four digs.
Martin Bugaoan tallied 13 points, while older brother JP and Abrot added 10 points apiece. Despite a three-set stint, Rotter still made an impact with 10 points, including four clutch aces.
Cian Silang, who took over playmaking chores from Owa Retamar from the third set onwards, dished out 14 excellent sets, while Vince Lorenzo had 16 excellent digs as the HD Spikers firmed up their hold of the second spot in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
Calado dropped 25 points on 23 attacks and two blocks and finished with seven excellent digs, while Gampong delivered 21 points, all from attacks.
Caritativo delivered a stellar birthday performance, scoring 19 points and recording 26 excellent receptions. However, fatigue seemed to set in during the fifth set, and despite his efforts, the celebration was dampened by the team’s defeat.
The Spin Doctors will aim for redemption as they face the Alpha Insurance Protectors tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Savouge came agonizingly close to turning the tide after a thrilling third-set win.
Overcoming an early four-point deficit, the Spin Doctors battled through a marathon exchange, saving four set points before finally converting on a clutch off-the-block hit by Shawie Caritativo for a 28-all count.
Calado, instrumental in Savouge’s first-set success, delivered once again, firing consecutive kills to clinch the set and give the underdogs a 2-1 lead.
Setter Mike Imperial and libero Rikko Marmeto were pivotal in Savouge’s valiant effort. Imperial orchestrated the offense with precision, executing a heart-stopping reverse 1-2 play that barely caught the sideline, leveling the score at 27 in the third.
Meanwhile, Marmeto anchored the defense with spectacular digs, keeping the rally alive and the Spin Doctors’ hopes intact.
Despite their relentless push, Savouge couldn’t close out the match, as Cignal mounted a determined fourth-set response to force a decider.
With momentum on their side, the HD Spikers now turn their attention to a heated showdown against archrivals Criss Cross King Crunchers at 6 p.m. on Friday. The much-anticipated matchup promises another intense battle, with both teams eager to assert dominance in a rivalry expected to go down-to-the-wire.
