Spikers’ Turf: Jau Umandal shines, but has plenty of help

Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal during a Spikers’ Turf Open Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — In a team chock-full with talent, Jau Umandal continued to shine for the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.

Umandal propelled the HD Spikers to a 2-0 start  to earn the first nod as Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of February 21 to 23.

After finishing with 10 points in the sweep of newcomer Alpha Insurance on Friday, the former UST standout cranked his game and had 17 on an astounding 16-of-23 spiking efficiency in Cignal’s 25-23, 27-25, 25-19 win over Savouge.

READ: Jau Umandal ‘conscious’ after hitting head in Cignal’s title win

Umandal edged teammate Steven Rotter and the Criss Cross trio of Jaron Requinton, Jude Garcia, and Kim Malabunga for the weekly citation handed out by reporters covering the competition streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on the Spikers Turf website.

“My mindset this season is to focus on each game and do my best to help the team. It’s a big deal that I started well, but I know there’s still a lot I need to improve on,” he said.

“Especially against strong teams like Savouge, I need to stay composed and stick to our game plan. This wouldn’t be possible without the trust of my teammates and coaches, so I’m really grateful to them.”

READ; Spikers’ Turf: Cignal gains invaluable lessons from Japan camp

Umandal credded his Cignal teammates, many of whom are part of the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team, for keeping him grounded amid their streak.

“I’m lucky to be part of a team with so many great players. It really helps to have teammates who constantly communicate, support each other, and push one another to improve,” he said.

“Honestly, it’s a relief knowing that I don’t have to carry all the responsibility because everyone contributes. That motivates me even more to do my part well and stay consistent to help the team.”

For Umandal, the best is yet to come, which can only bode well for Cignal.

“This isn’t my best yet, so I’ll keep working hard to improve my game even more,” he concluded.

Cignal’s next assignment for the week will be against VNS on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig and PGJC-Navy on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.