Spikers’ Turf: Jau Umandal powers Cignal into semifinals

Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — No Bryan Bagunas, no problem for Cignal as Jau Umandal unleashed his career-best 36 points to lift the team into the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Umandal fired 32 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to set a new career-high in the men’s volleyball club league in the HD Spikers’ thrilling 21-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 15-7 win over the D’Navigators.

With Cignal missing Bagunas, who scored 27 points in their five-set win over Criss Cross three days ago before flying to Taiwan to honor his commitment with Win Streak, Umandal stepped up to keep Cignal unbeaten in six games and became the first team to qualify to the semifinal round this season.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Bagunas shows mettle to spearhead Cignal comeback

“I didn’t expect to score this high. I’m not thinking about my points because all I want is to help the team,” said Umandal in Filipino after tallying 10 excellent receptions and six digs. “We didn’t win just because of me, it’s because of the whole team.”

Wendel Miguel and JP Bugaoan had nine and six points, respectively. Cian Silang, who replaced EJ Casana in the starting lineup, made 24 excellent sets and contributed two points, while Vince Lorenzo and Sandy Montero collected 20 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, respectively.

The D’Navigators absorbed their second straight loss with a 4-2 record despite Francis Saura’s 19-point effort. Edward Camposano and Deanne De Pedro contributed 17 and 12 points, respectively.

READ: Bagunas outduels Espejo as Cignal stays perfect in Spikers’ Turf

Meanwhile, Savouge Aesthetics bolstered its semifinal bid after dominating the also-ran RichMarc Sports 3B, 25-15, 25-21, 25-11, 

Rey Taneo orchestrated the Spin Doctors’ balanced attack to earn their second straight win and rise to a 3-3 record in fifth place.

John Diwa delivered 12 points including three blocks, while Charlee Magpayo had 10 points built on five attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Norwel Sanama and Sherwin Caritativo added eight points each.

“My motivation to my players is to always treat the game as a championship,” said Savouge coach Sammy Acaylar.

“We’re No.5 right now so we’re trying our best to win every game in straight sets for a chance to enter the semifinals.”

RichMarc remained winless in six games with Kurl Rosete leading the way with 10 points.