Jau Umandal erupted for 26 points, leading Cignal to a 25-17, 25-13, 26-24 win over UST-Gameville in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational semifinals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Saturday, Nov. 22, the Super Spikers bounced back from a five-set loss to Criss Cross to even their round-robin semifinals record at 1-1.

Umandal contributed 22 attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces, helping Cignal secure its first semifinals win in the tournament and avenge an earlier elimination-round loss to UST-Gameville.

Umandal sparks Cignal’s comeback

After UST-Gameville tied the third set at 24, Umandal fired a crucial attack off the block, followed by a booming ace from Nas Gwaza that sealed the match.

“Yesterday’s game was a tough loss for us,” said head coach Dexter Clamor. “Even last night, most of us couldn’t sleep. We had to focus on the next game and the next ball — staying specific on what we needed to do inside the court.”

Steven Rotter added nine points, while Jared Schnake and captain JP Bugaoan contributed six and five points, respectively. Setter Cian Silang tallied 18 excellent sets, and former UST libero Van Prudenciado recorded 14 receptions and five digs.

Looking ahead: back-to-back semifinals challenge

Cignal now aims for consecutive wins when they face Savouge on Monday at 3 p.m., still at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. UST-Gameville dropped to 0-2, tying ProVolley Academy of Australia. Gboy De Vega led the Golden Spikers with 15 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Sherwin Umandal added eight points.