Cignal and North Cotabato arranged a men’s championship showdown after posting contrasting semifinals victories in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League at the Philsports Arena Saturday night.
The HD Spikers swept Imus City, 25-23, 25-21, 25-19, while the North Cotabato G-Spikers went through the wringer before beating PGJC-Navy, 25-15, 20-25, 22-25, 28-26, 15-11.
JP Bugaoan went 11-of-16 attacks and had two blocks to finish with 14 points, while Marck Espejo chipped in 13 points as Cignal wrapped up the semifinals match in only one hour and 31 minutes.
Jao Umandal came through with 27 points, including four service aces, while John Vic de Guzman and Kim Malabunga each had 19 points as North Cotabato overcame anxious moments in the fourth set to extend the match and eventually prevail.
The HD Spikers and the G-Spikers collide for the gold at 5:30 p.m. Sunday to cap the eight-day tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal HD, One Sports, Cignal Play, F2 Logistics and Amigo Entertainment.
Coming off a tough five-set win over Bacolod in the quarterfinals Friday, coach Dexter Clamor was pleased the way his troops performed against the AJAA Spikers.
