Cignal HD Spikers. Spikers’ Turf Photo
MANILA, Philippines—Cotabato may have succumbed Cignal, 25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23, on Monday but both squads will get to clash anew in the Finals of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Despite the loss, Cotabato still booked the spot in the championship round due to a higher points ratio over Iloilo.
The HD Spikers, on the other hand, clinched their fourth straight finals berth in the Finals after weeping the elimination round and the semifinals.
Marck Espejo powered Cignal with 20 points built on 16 attacks while JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel tallied 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
“It’s all about winning the game. Even if we lost in the third set, the important thing is we bounced back,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor.
Former University of Santo Tomas standouts Jau Umandal and Wewe Medina spearheaded Cotabato with 20 and 11 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
Earlier, Imus turned back Iloilo, 25-23, 11-25, 25-20, 25-15, a result that pulled the plug on Iloilo’s finals bid.
Game 1 of the best-of-three finals between Cotabato and Cignal is set on Wednesday, 5:30 pm still at Rizal Memorial Coliseum after the bronze medal game between Iloilo and Imus at 3 p.m.