Spikers’ Turf: Umandal, Bagunas power Cignal to finals

Cignal HD Spikers’ Jau Umandal.– SPIKERS’ TURF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal barged into the 2024 Spikers’ Turf finals while Criss Cross revived its championship hopes ahead of their crucial clash on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

Jau Umandal and Bryan Bagunas formed a potent combo to deliver Cignal’s second win in the semis round after sweeping the D’Navigators, 25-14, 25-21, 25-17, on Friday.

Umandal and Bagunas powered the HD Spikers with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Lloyd Josafat and JP Bugaoan added 11 points each as they remained unbeaten in 10 games including their 8-0 finish in the elimination round.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal, D’Navigators triumphant in semis opener

With two shutout wins in the semis, the HD Spikers have secured a Top 2 spot, ensuring a superior set ratio even in the event of a triple tie with Criss Cross and the D’Navigators if they lose to the King Crunchers in their 12-noon game.

“Sabi ko nga during the huddle mataas yung momentum ng D’Navigators kasi tinalo nila yung Criss Cross so kailangan maging handa kami, kailangan i-challenge namin sila na hindi sila makakuha ng momentum sa amin,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor.

Cignal faced adversity before the match due to an injury incurred during warmups involving wing spiker Mark Calado and setter EJ Casaña, who were brought to the nearest medical facility for tests.

The D’Navigators dropped to a 1-1 record, seeking to bounce back against the PGJC-Navy (0-2) also on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Edward Camposano carried the D’Navigators with 12 points, while Francis Saura was limited to just seven points after his 20-point explosion against Criss Cross.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal completes elimination round sweep

Meanwhile, Marck Espejo delivered 17 points to save Criss Cross’ campaign, eliminating PGJC-Navy, 25-15, 25-16, 25-12.

Licking the wounds of their four-set loss to D’Navigators two days ago, Espejo took charge when it mattered most with 14 spikes and three blocks on top of nine excellent receptions for the King Crunchers, who drew 10 points from Jude Garcia.

“Progress ito from last game na talo. Although nandoon pa rin yung maraming errors pero this game mas nagenjoy kami na no regrets kailangan namin ibigay yung best namin,“ said Espejo, who returned to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the last three games.

“Para sa Cignal, no-bearing naman na yung game pero for sure alam kong gagawin nila ang best nila at gusto pa rin nilang manalo sa amin. Kami ie-enjoy lang namin ang laro like yung ginawa namin against Navy although maraming errors, nandoon yung sense of urgency.”

The Sealions dropped to 0-2 and were relegated to the battle for bronze, regardless of the result of their upcoming duel against D’Navigators.