Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal during the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jau Umandal is waiting for his clearance to join the Cignal HD Spikers’ title celebration after missing the winning moments of their championship-clinching win over Criss Cross in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals on Friday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
When the score was tied at 17-all in the third set, Umandal attempted a backrow attack but his head accidentally hit the elbow of Criss Cross star Jude Garcia when he landed.
Umandal held on to his head and went to lie down. He was then stretchered off the court with Bryan Bagunas telling him to stay conscious and promising to get the job done.
The HD Spikers, led by Bagunas, completed their sweep of Criss Cross with a 25-23, 27-25, 25-21 win in Game 2.
Jau Umandal stretchered off the court after accidentally colliding with Criss Cross players.
The third set is tied at 17-all. #SpikersTurf | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/r89mSe9C4m
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 10, 2024
The tournament’s Best Outside Hitter was rushed to the Adventist Medical Center Manila. Cignal team manager Juanito Gregorio said Umandal is doing fine.
“Conscious si Jau, he’s responding to the nurse’s questions. We’re waiting for clearance so he can come back here and celebrate with us,” said Gregorio.
Cignal coach Dexter Clamor offered their win for Umandal, who scored 18 points before his unfortunate injury.
Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal on the floor getting treatment after hitting his head during the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals Game 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Kanina sinasabi namin, pagtrabahuhan natin para kay Jau. So malaking boost din sa kanila ‘yun. Ginawa nila yung best nila, medyo nakakalungkot na nag-champion kami tapos meron kaming isang kasama na medyo hindi namin alam kung ano yung sitwasyon niya. Hopefully, maging okay siya and makasama namin siya mag-celebrate,” Clamor said.
Bagunas, who emerged as Finals MVP with 22 points, urged his teammates to complete their title win for Umandal after he led the team throughout the conference.
“Sabi ko sa mga teammates ko, nilaban ni Jau kaya kailangan namin ilaban kasi siya, nandoon yung puso niya para manalo sa finals na ‘to, so why not kami, susuko na lang ba kami? Sinabi ko sa teammates ko na kailangan natin ilaban para kay Jau,” Bagunas said. “
“Pinapaalahanan ko siya na kami na yung bahala kasi siyempre ‘ung health pa rin niya yung importante. Siyempre yung game nandiyan lang yan kaya naman namin gawin yung nawala, so sabi ko sa kaniya magpagaling siya kami na bahala dito sa Finals.”