Spikers’ Turf: Cignal escapes VNS-Nasty to close in on sweep

Cignal HD Spikers’ Madz Gampong in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Cignal narrowly averted an upset by thwarting VNS-Nasty in five, 22-25, 25-21, 26-28, 26-24, 15-8, to inch closer to completing a sweep of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference eliminations at Paco Arena on Wednesday.

Coach Dexter Clamor provided significant minutes to his backup roster in the first three sets, but they trailed 1-2. That prompted him to revert to his starting lineup, which responded and secured the victory that extended the HD Spikers’ run to seven games.

“They relaxed. We gave the second six a chance but they didn’t perform, so it’s good the first six was able to perform when we put them back. We had a slow start so we need to work on that to make sure we start out with high intensity,” said Clamor.

SCHEDULE: 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference

Madz Gampong top scored for the HD Spikers with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks, while Jau  Umandal, who only played in three sets, and Bugaoan added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Cian Silang tossed 29 excellent sets and added three points while Vince Lorenzo tallied 26 excellent receptions and finished with three excellent digs.

Meanwhile, D’Navigators snapped its two-game slide, dispatching of also-ran RichMarc Sports 3B, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 and forced a the third spot.

It was a big bounce-back win for the D’Navigators, who came off consecutive losses to semifinalists Cignal and Criss Cross, following a sweep of their first four games.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Jau Umandal takes charge for unbeaten Cignal

With a 5-2 record, they tied the PGJC-Navy Sealions at the third spot, just ahead of the fifth-running Savouge Aesthetics Spin Doctors, who hold a 4-3 slate.

“We really wanted to win this by straight sets to get a good standing,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro, whose wards will face the Sealions in a crucial showdown at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.

“The two losses were a wake-up call for us. We’re preparing in case we get into the semifinals.”

Francis Saura took charge for the D’Navigators, scoring 11 points, while Justine Santos tallied 10 points on six attacks, three blocks, and an ace in their 78-minute victory.