Jau Umandal showcased his unwavering commitment to Cignal in a thrilling showdown against the D’Navigators at the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Barely recovered from a grueling five-set clash just days prior, Umandal summoned every ounce of energy within him to lead his team to a second consecutive five-set triumph, solidifying their dominance in the competition.
The match, held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, witnessed Umandal's explosive performance as he delivered a staggering 36 points, marking a conference-high achievement.
With 32 powerful attacks, three decisive kill blocks, and a crucial ace, Umandal's prowess on the court was undeniable. Not only did he excel in offense, but his defensive skills shone through with 10 excellent receptions and six remarkable digs.
Reflecting on the physical and mental toll of back-to-back intense battles, Umandal acknowledged the challenges they faced.
"Perhaps, we were still exhausted from our game against Criss Cross. But we managed to overcome the fatigue and the pressure we carried as a team," he shared. "Even if you're mentally prepared, if your physical condition is exhausted, it's extremely difficult."
Drawing strength from his veteran experience, Umandal emphasized the importance of pushing through adversity.
"For me, my veteran mindset reminded me that I needed to overcome this fatigue so that my efforts and sacrifices wouldn't go to waste. I didn't want to lose just like that," he affirmed.
Despite missing the presence of teammate Bryan Bagunas, who was committed to his Taiwanese club WinStreak, Umandal dismissed any notion that it affected their performance.
"Not really, because this is our team. This is the lineup that has been preparing the longest. Bryan was the one who adjusted to us, so we easily adapted to him," Umandal explained.
With their hard-fought victory against the D’Navigators, Cignal's undefeated streak extended to 6-0, securing their spot as the first team to advance to the round-robin semifinals.
Umandal expressed his elation at the team's accomplishment, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from their collective efforts.
"Now, we're extremely happy. All our hard work paid off. We only had two days of rest, then we fought again. It's fulfilling to see the fruits of our labor," he enthused.
Looking ahead, Umandal expressed his hope for their continued stellar performance and unwavering focus throughout the season.
