Cignal gave Bryan Bagunas a rousing welcome, overwhelming Philippine Air Force, 25-10, 25-21, 25-15, to reclaim the top spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena Wednesday night.
Bagunas, fresh from his second consecutive title run with WinStreak in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan, came off the bench to fire eight points, all on attacks. Despite a lack of practice with his new team, the former league MVP showcased his top form, seamlessly integrating into Cignal’s formidable lineup.
“Sobrang laki ng adjustments namin kasi hindi siya nakapag-training, kakarating lang niya kahapon so we will work on how Bryan can adapt our system kasi syempre iba yung sistema sa Taiwan,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
JP Bugaoan paced the HD Spikers with 16 points on nine attacks, five blocks and two service aces while Jau Umandal tallied 11 points on five attacks, three blocks and three aces in a two-set stint as the HD Spikers notched their fourth consecutive win, maintaining their dominance in the tournament as they replicated their commanding performances against the Navy Sealions, the RichMarc Sports 3B Elite Spikers and the Savouge Spin Doctors.
Mark Calado added nine markers in the one-hour, 13-minute victory while Wendel Miguel and Lloyd Josafat chipped in six points each for Cignal.
Despite the convincing win, Clamor acknowledged the team’s lapses, underscoring the need to fine-tune their performances in training for their upcoming matches.
“Meron pa rin kaming mga lapses na kailangan pa rin i-workout during training para sa susunod na game, ma-polish namin nang maayos,” he added.
The HD Spikers posted 44 attack points in 82 attempts while dominating the net and from the service line with 12 blocks and eight aces, while limiting the Airmen to just 20 attacks and seven blocks.
The win sets up an eagerly anticipated showdown between Cignal and powerhouse Criss Cross on April 14 at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, Air Force, which drew eight points from Bryan Jaleco and seven markers from Wesley Cajolo, slipped to 1-3.
The Airmen take on the winless Maverick side on April 12, also at the Ynares Arena.
