In a high-stakes showdown at the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, the Cignal HD Spikers emerged victorious against the Criss Cross King Crunchers, sealing a nail-biting five-set win (25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11) at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Known for their defensive prowess and sharp attacks, the HD Spikers showcased resilience, overcoming lapses to secure their third win in four games.

The match was a rollercoaster, with Cignal initially taking a commanding two-set lead. However, the King Crunchers, determined not to bow out easily, fought back, claiming the third and fourth sets to force a decider. Cignal’s head coach, Dexter Clamor, acknowledged his team’s struggles with consistency, saying, “We’re happy to win, but complacency remains an issue that we need to work on.”

Key Moments: Jau Umandal and JM Ronquillo Lead the Rally

The turning point came in the tightly contested third set, where Criss Cross looked poised to pull ahead with a 23-20 advantage. Cignal’s star player, Jau Umandal, led a fierce rally, pushing the set to the brink. Despite Umandal’s efforts, Criss Cross managed to clinch the set with a decisive block against a strong hit by Jude Garcia.

In the final set, both teams traded early points, with a key kill from JM Ronquillo giving Cignal a crucial lead. A series of errors from Criss Cross, including a net touch by Ish Polvorosa, widened the gap, allowing Cignal to pull ahead 9-4. Though the King Crunchers fought back, narrowing the margin to 10-8, timely attacks from Umandal and Bugaoan restored Cignal’s lead.

Cignal’s Defense Secures Victory

Cignal’s front-line defense shone in the match’s closing moments, with critical blocks, especially against Garcia’s attempts, sealing their victory. Mark Calado delivered the final blow with a sharp cross-court hit, concluding the match and securing Cignal’s position among the top contenders in the conference.

As Cignal looks ahead, this victory serves as both a confidence booster and a reminder of the importance of staying focused in critical moments. With Clamor’s strategic guidance, the HD Spikers are poised to tackle the remaining conference games with renewed vigor.