Foiled the last time out, Cignal regained its winning ways as it rammed past Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22, to book the third semis berth in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Thursday.
The HD Spikers, stunned by the Navy Sealions in four last Tuesday, hardly gave their youthful rivals room to maneuver in the opener but had to go through some anxious moments in the next two before fashioning out the straight-set win, their fourth against a loss.
"Going back doon sa Navy, it was a tough loss sa amin since it was our first loss since 2019. It's really a good reminder din para sa amin na kailangan pa namin magpursigi," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. "Kaya ito, agad agad tinapon namin 'yung di magandang nangyari noong Tuesday and nagperform ngayon."
Marck Espejo blasted in nine attack points and finished with 12 points for the back-to-back defending champions, who kept their poise in the face of the Eagles’ gutsy stand in the last two sets.
Louie Ramirez led Cignal's bounce-back game with 13 points, all from attacks.
JP Bugaoan also contributed 10 points, half of which came from the blocking department, while Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan got seven apiece.
The loss dropped Ateneo to 1-4 in the company of Army and Santa Rosa.
Matthew Salarzon and Ken Batas paced the Blue Eagles with 10 points apiece.
