The Cignal HD Spikers delivered another commanding performance on Friday, December 6, defeating the youthful FEU DN Steel Ultras in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, in the semifinals of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.

The decisive win extended Cignal’s tournament dominance to nine straight matches, keeping their finals hopes alive while pushing the Ultras to the brink of elimination. Known for their tactical depth and consistent aggression, the HD Spikers are now just one win away from securing a finals berth.

Cignal’s success was anchored on a calculated tactical shift by coach Dexter Clamor, who opted for the setter-opposite tandem of EJ Casaña and Mark Calado over their usual starters, Owa Retamar and JM Ronquillo. The move revitalized the HD Spikers, particularly in the second set, where a commanding 18-9 run turned an early deficit into a comfortable win.

“Very commendable ‘yung players off the bench lalo na si EJ at si Mark. Kahit hindi sila first six, sobrang pinaghahandaan nila (The players off the bench, especially EJ and Mark, were very commendable. Even though they’re not in the starting six, they’ve prepared so hard),” said Clamor.

Key Performances

• Louie Ramirez led the scoring with 14 points, including 12 attacks and two blocks.
• Mark Calado added nine points, going an efficient 9-of-12 in just two sets.
• Lloyd Josafat contributed nine points with three aces, while Wendell Miguel tallied eight points, including four kill blocks.

Despite showing flashes of resistance, the Ultras struggled to maintain their form against the more experienced Cignal squad. After an early 11-7 lead in the second set, FEU faltered, committing six costly errors in the third set and allowing Cignal to close the match decisively.

The Ultras will face KondohGumi Hyogo on Sunday, December 8, at 4 p.m., hoping to salvage their semifinal campaign. Meanwhile, Cignal braces for a rematch against Criss Cross at 6 p.m. The HD Spikers narrowly edged Criss Cross in the elimination round, winning a five-set thriller, 25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11.

“Mindset will be key,” Clamor said regarding the rematch. “Skills-wise, it’s almost the same, but it’s all about who wants to win more.”

With their impressive form and strategic depth, Cignal looks poised to book a spot in the finals and possibly add another title to their collection this season.