Spikers’ Turf: Umandal, Cignal cruise to second straight win

Jau Umandal and the Cignal HD Spikers during a game against RichMarc in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.–PVL IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Cignal turned to Jau Umandal anew to score its second straight win with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 rout of RichMarc Sports 3B in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Umandal poured 12 points in just two sets as coach Dexter Clamor had the luxury of rotating his players in their one-hour and 14-minute win.

Mark Calado and Madz Gampong chipped in eight points each, while Giles Torres added six points for a clean 2-0 record.

“All of them should always stay ready because when we field them, they should perform and show their best,” said Clamor in Filipino.

RichMarc Sports 3B remained winless in two games as no one scored in double figures with Kemel Ipulan and Kurl Rosete leading the way with nine and seven points, respectively.

Meanwhile, PGJC-Navy vented its ire on Air Force,  25-21, 25-21, 25-18, to force a tie at 1-1.

Coming off a straight-set loss to defending champion Cignal, Joeven Dela Vega led the Sealions’ bounce-back win with a team-high 20 points built on 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.

John Jacob contributed 10 points. Team captain Greg Dolor added nine points. Setter Louie Pudadera tossed 20 excellent sets on top of two points, while libero Jack Kalingking had 15 excellent receptions and five digs.

“They’re very responsive after our adjustments in practice. At the same time, they followed our game plan unlike our first game, we were anxious,” said Navy coach George Pascua in Filipino. “I’m very satisfied [with our win]. We have to strengthen and improve our weaknesses for the next game.

Air Force gave up 28 errors despite Bryan Jaleco’s 20-point effort.