Cignal steadied itself just in time and erased a mid-match slump to survive Savouge Athletics in a dramatic five-set battle on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Super Spikers needed grit and defensive poise to climb out of a 1-2 hole and extend their podium streak to 16 straight tournaments.

The win also helped them avoid what could have been their lowest finish after their long Finals run ended earlier in the week. With several key players absent, the group leaned on discipline and veteran presence to outlast a Savouge side that refused to go quietly.

Head coach Dexter Clamor pointed to the leadership of captains JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel, who kept the team steady despite the frustration of missing the championship round.

Savouge appeared headed for bronze after taking a tight third set behind a clutch off-the-block kill from Giles Torres. But Cignal responded with urgency, tightening its net defense and resetting its rhythm.

Cignal’s veteran core steadies the fourth set

Locked at 16-all in the fourth, Miguel, Vince Maglinao and brothers JP and Martin Bugaoan sparked a 9-3 closing run that restored control to the Super Spikers. Their blocking, long tied to the franchise’s identity, delivered the final three points of the set with consecutive denials of Mark Calado.

The momentum shift revived Cignal’s confidence as they entered the decider with sharper reads and quicker transitions. Savouge tried to match their energy, but Cignal’s height and timing at the net proved difficult to crack.

A chaotic decider seals the bronze

The fifth set turned into a nerve-wracking exchange of challenges and overturned calls, with both sides scrambling to keep momentum. Cignal briefly pulled away after Maglinao’s block touch was upheld, followed by a towering denial from Cian Silang and an ace from Steve Rotter that pushed them to match point at 14-11.

Savouge extended the drama when officials reversed what initially looked like the winning point, trimming the deficit and forcing Cignal to reset. A failed counter-challenge added to the tension inside the venue as fans braced for another swing.

On the next rally, Maglinao’s attack was ruled long before Cignal challenged again, this time for a block touch. The replay showed clear contact on a Savouge finger, sealing a cathartic finish and a bronze-medal escape for the Super Spikers.

Miguel led the way with 21 points built on 20 attacks and an ace, while Maglinao and Rotter added 12 each. JP and Martin Bugaoan contributed 10 apiece, with JP tallying five blocks to anchor the defense.

Calado paced the Spin Doctors with 24 points and 10 digs, while Shawie Caritativo scored 19 and delivered 28 excellent receptions. Norwel Sanama added 18 in a losing effort.