In the heated clash between Cignal and D’Navigators, one man's fiery spirit illuminated the court throughout the game.
Jau Umandal ignited a blaze of passion, celebrating every point scored by the HD Spikers with unbridled enthusiasm.
Whether he was the architect of the play or it came from the hands of his teammates, Umandal's fervor knew no bounds.
The match unfolded with Cignal asserting their dominance over D’Navigators, clinching victory in straight sets, 25-14, 25-21, 25-17, advancing to a pristine 2-0 record in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals.
Umandal's exuberant displays weren't merely about personal triumphs but served as a beacon of motivation for his comrades.
"For me, being vocal on the court is my way of uplifting my teammates. I feel like I'm able to motivate them, to carry them with the energy I possess," expressed the 26-year-old mainstay of the national team, reflecting on his spirited performance at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
He continued, "Perhaps that's what I enjoy most about every game—being vocal on the court so that we're not just happy but also focused."
Now, with their sights set on the Finals, the HD Spikers stand one step closer to their goal, boasting a flawless 2-0 record. Their final obstacle, Criss Cross, proved to be a formidable opponent in the elimination round, pushing them to five sets.
In their journey to the semifinals, Cignal also delivered a sweeping victory over PGJC-Navy last Wednesday, triumphing 25-16, 29-27, 25-22.
Umandal's journey with Cignal began in 2023, marking him as the face of the franchise following Marck Espejo's departure to join the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in South Korea.
This transition not only enhanced Umandal's on-court prowess but also honed his leadership skills, evident in his vocal presence during games.
However, Umandal remains humble, emphasizing that leadership within the HD Spikers transcends individual roles.
"I don't see myself as the sole leader. I simply do my part, whatever I can contribute to the team," remarked the University of Santo Tomas product.
"In our team, there are no stars. Each one of us has a voice, and every observation is valued by all."
