Cignal’s Bryan Bagunas rises for a hit against Criss Cross defenders in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — In his first Spikers’ Turf Finals in five years, Bryan Bagunas unleashed 26 points to put Cignal on the cusp of claiming the 2024 Open Conference title after overcoming Criss Cross, 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, in Game 1 on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Bagunas, who won his second straight championship with Win Streak in Taiwan, hardly missed a beat in the biggest stage of the premier men’s volleyball club league as he dropped 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to go with 12 excellent receptions.
“I’m so grateful to have Bryan Bagunas who can perform well in crucial situations,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor. “I’m so thankful not just to Bryan but also to all the players because it’s a total team effort from each member of the team.
READ: Criss Cross stuns Cignal to reach Spikers’ Turf Finals
Jau Umandal backstopped Bagunas with 15 points, while JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel delivered 11 points each to bounce back from their five-set loss to Criss Cross on the final day of the semifinals on Sunday.
Setter Cian Silang, who continued to fill in the role of the injured EJ Casana, dished out 17 excellent sets, as libero Vince Lorenzo protected the floor with 16 excellent receptions.
Cignal looks to complete its title defense in Game 2 on Friday when it tries to sweep newcomer Criss Cross.
“It’s expected that both teams will go all-out since both of us want to prove something. It’s all about who is more prepared, hungrier, and who wants it more,” said Clamor.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Bagunas shows mettle to spearhead Cignal comeback
Marck Espejo, who was part of Cignal’s Spikers’ Turf title run last year, had 22 points, carrying the King Crunchers with Jude Garcia, who had 21 points.
Meanwhile, PGJC-Navy clawed back from an early deficit in the extended fourth set for a 25-17, 16-25, 25-18, 33-31 victory over the Francis Saura-less D’Navigators in the battle for third place.
Joeven Dela Vega spearheaded the Navy with 17 points on 15 attacks an ace and a block, while Peter Quiel and Greg Dolor each contributed 14 points in their second consecutive victory over the D’Navigators.
Wilbert Sapida added 12 points. Omar Lioc chipped in 10 points to go along with nine excellent receptions. Louie Pudadera tossed 27 excellent sets, while veteran libero Jack Kalingking collected 22 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs in the victory.
D’Navigators banked on Edward Camposano, who had 17 points, 16 of which came from attacks, to go along with 13 excellent receptions.
Renz Engay registered 14 points, while Jayvee Sumagaysay and Rash Nursiddik added 11 and 10 points, respectively.