Cignal HD Spikers win the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference title.–Photo from Spikers’ Turf
MANILA, Philippines — In a highly-anticipated championship showdown, Cignal relied on its vast experience and composure to thwart Criss Cross, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, to capture the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown at the Philsports Arena on Sunday night.
Louie Ramirez led the way for the HD Spikers while also getting ample help from his teammates.
“I thank my second stringers who stepped up,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor. “It was really a collective effort. We prepared hard for this match.”
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“Consistency was key throughout the game. We addressed all the issues we faced in past games, even in training,” said Clamor, who also steered the HD Spikers to a sweep of the King Crunchers in the Open Conference finals last May.
Wendell Miguel added 15 points, including three blocks, while Lloyd Josafat chipped in six points for Cignal.
Owa Retamar also played a key role, dishing out 10 excellent sets while JP Bugaoan contributed four points before leaving due to injury late in the third. Steven Rotter also had four points.
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“I’m really happy, especially considering what we went through,” said the soft-spoken Ramirez in Filipino. “I just went all out and played well.”
Jude Garcia, who was hailed MVP for the second time in a row, paced Criss Cross with 18 points.
Meanwhile, Savouge captured the bronze with a 25-21, 16-25, 25-14, 25-17 victory over DN Steel FEU with Shawie Caritativo bucking an ankle injury in the second set to lead their balanced attack with 14 points.