Cignal HD Spikers’ JM Ronquillo against Martelli Meats blockers during a Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Cignal vented its ire on Martelli Meats, pulling off a dominant 25-10, 25-15, 25-12 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Licking the wounds of their five-set defeat to league leader Savouge, the HD Spikers bounced back strong with JM Ronquillo leading the collective effort with nine points and four digs.
“I just want to make up for our last game,” said Ronquillo, who signed with Cignal in the offseason. “We know we can perform. Hopefully, we can bounce back in the upcoming games.”
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Savouge stuns Cignal in five-set thriller
Mark Calado also scored nine points, as setter EJ Casaña made 16 excellent sets to improve Cignal’s record to 2-1.
Using their tough first defeat as motivation, Cignal coach Dexter Clamor reminded his stacked roster to live up to the expectations of being the most successful men’s volleyball club in the country.
“We are beatable. So if we become complacent, every team will want to beat us. We’re the defending champions and have been here for the past 11 years, winning multiple championships,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor.
“Credit to Savouge for playing well. For us, of course, it’s not an excuse, but many of us still aren’t fully healthy.”
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Sherwin Caritativo stars off the bench for Savouge
Cignal braces for its much-anticipated duel against Open Conference runner-up Criss Cross on Sunday.
Martelli Meats remained winless in four games with Angelo Reyes and Razell Palisoc leading their team with just five points each.
Meanwhile, PGJC Navy tied Cignal at fourth place after withstanding the D’Navigators Iloilo, 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-19.
Joeven dela Vega brought back the winning ways of the Sealions with 20 points after getting swept by DN Steel-Far Eastern University last Sunday.
“We lacked service reception, leading to several errors. Communication was also lost at times. We adjusted and enjoyed the game in the fourth set,” said Dela Vega in Filipino after tallying 11 digs. “It’s still a long way to go, but we hope to improve every game.”
Greg Dolor also stepped up for Navy with 14 points. Peter Quiel and Omar Lioc added nine and seven points, respectively.
Setter Jeremy Santos recorded 12 excellent receptions.
D’Navigators gave up 30 errors, suffering their third straight loss. Barbie San Andres and Madz Gampong carried the team with 15 and 10 points, respectively.