Spikers’ Turf: Jau Umandal powers Cignal past Navy

Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKErS TURF

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Cignal paraded a “different” Jau Umandal to kick off its title-retention bid with a 25-17, 25-16, 27-25 win over the PGJC-Navy in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Umandal poured in 17 points including the crucial kills in the third set to stave off the Sealions’ gallant stand and deliver the HD Spikers’ opening day win to join the Air Force Airmen.

Cignal coach Dexter Clamor was grateful to see a different Umandal, whom he wants to be more disciplined and aggressive.

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“We’re thankful because it’s a different Jau Umandal. It’s not the Jau Umandal, who was error-prone,” said Clamor in Filipino. “This time, he’s more disciplined and he knows that his team relies on him when it comes to the end game. He was aggressive in the last part of the set. And I know that he will keep on working.”

“In less than a year with Cignal, Jau has adapted easily to the system and he earned the trust of the coaches and his teammates. Because in our team, it’s not about an individual, it’s a total team effort pa rin. As long as he follows the system, it will help us win games.”

Umandal, the reigning Open Conference MVP who signed with Cignal late last year, vows to do better for the HD Spikers after settling for a runner-up finish in the Invitational Conference, losing to National University-Sta. Elena in the winner-take-all final.

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“I work harder for this competition because when we lost in the final last year, I felt that I have to step up and focus [on improving myself],” Umandal said in Filipino. “I’m doing my best for my team by giving my 100 percent during training and games. When I go to practice, I train all out so when it comes to the match, I don’t have to fine-tune my game.”

Team captain JP Bugaoan was also instrumental for Cignal with 10 points to overcome Navy, which leaned on Joeven Dela Vega and Greg Dolor who had 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Air Force triumphs

Air Force Airmen in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF

Meanwhile, Air Force banked on Bryan Jaleco’s 21-point effort to spoil RichMarc Sports 3b’s Spikers’ Turf debut with a 22-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-23 victory.

Setter Ron Villegas anchored the Airmen’s balanced attack with 20 excellent sets, as Pol Salvador and Ahmad Abdul chipped in 14 points apiece.

The Elite Spikers lost their first Spikers’ Turf game with Kurl Rosete and Gideon Guadalupe leading the way with 19 and 14 points, respectively.