Cignal faced challenges late in the third set but managed to pull through as Nas Gwaza and Vince Abrot took charge in the extended frame, completing a sweep of VNS-Laticrete, 25-16, 25-15, 26-24, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday.
It was a crucial bounce-back victory for the HD Spikers, who were coming off a stinging straight-set defeat to the Criss Cross King Crunchers – the very team they defeated to clinch both the Open Conference and Invitational titles last year.
After securing back-to-back dominant set wins, Cignal appeared to slacken in the third frame, allowing the Griffins to take control at 17-21. However, Gwaza and Abrot emerged as Cignal's unlikely heroes, sparking a late comeback to frustrate VNS and reclaim their winning momentum in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Gwaza and Abrot spearheaded a stirring 5-0 run to shift the advantage to Cignal at 22-21. But VNS' CJ Segui refused to back down, delivering consecutive points alongside KC Culabat, who unleashed a searing cross-court hit to push the Griffins to match point.
Gwaza, however, had other plans.
He responded with back-to-back quick attacks off well-timed sets from Owa Retamar and denied Segui's attempt at the net for a clutch block, handing the HD Spikers a 25-24 edge. The match then came to an abrupt end after a costly net violation from VNS' RK Medino, allowing Cignal to wrap up the game after an hour and 20 minutes.
“The third set was really tight. It’s a good thing we were able to win this game despite the fatigue from our last two hard training sessions,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
“You could really see it in their bodies, in their performance – they were struggling to move. But we always remind them that after all the sacrifices, there’s always something to reap in the end. I’m happy we won. We were able to bounce back from that loss against Criss Cross,” he added.
Team captain Wendel Miguel paced Cignal with nine points, while Steven Rotter added eight markers in a two-set appearance.
Lloyd Josafat and Louie Ramirez contributed seven markers apiece, while setter EJ Casana provided stability with 11 excellent sets and chipped in three points, all from blocks.
Abrot and Gwaza, who were inserted only in the third set, provided the needed spark with seven and six points, respectively. Their efforts helped Cignal improve to a 5-1 record, securing second place in the standings despite the absence of key spiker Jau Umandal, who sat out due to a hyperextended knee.
Cignal will aim to solidify its momentum when it faces Savouge on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, VNS-Laticrete absorbed its second straight loss, falling to a 1-5 record. Segui led the Griffins with 10 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Rash Nursiddik scored eight. Culabat and Archer Codeniera added seven points apiece.
The Griffins will have a daunting task ahead as they face the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers, also on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
