Cignal reaffirmed its status as the team to beat, dismantling the youthful FEU DN Steel side in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, on Friday, Dec. 6, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
The commanding victory firmed up Cignal’s bid for a finals appearance in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference while sending the Ultras to the brink of elimination with a second straight shutout loss.
The HD Spikers, noted for their well-rounded game, brought a clinical performance to the semis stage, building on the momentum from their convincing triumph over the Savouge Spin Doctors last Wednesday.
Their dominance throughout the tournament, now extending to a nine-game win run, has showcased their unrelenting drive to secure another title, following their victory in the Open Conference earlier this year.
Cignal coach Dexter Clamor made a tactical ploy, shaking up the rotation to disrupt the Ultras’ defense and rhythm.
Opting for the setter-opposite duo of EJ Casaña and Mark Calado over the usual Owa Retamar-JM Ronquillo tandem, the adjustment proved decisive.
The move paid off handsomely, particularly in the second set, where the HD Spikers turned a shaky start into a commanding 18-9 run to close the set, putting them one step closer to a sweep.
“Very commendable ‘yung players off the bench lalo na si EJ (Casaña) at si Mark (Calado) kasi training pa lang nakikitaan ko na sila na sobrang pinaghahandaan nila kahit hindi sila first six. Yan ang gusto namin lagi dito sa Cignal na laging aggressive (The players off the bench, especially EJ and Mark, were very commendable. Even in training, I can see how hard they prepare despite not being part of the starting six. That’s what we want in Cignal – consistent aggression and readiness),” said Clamor.
Despite their dominant opening set, the HD Spikers encountered resistance in the second as the Ultras surged to an early 11-7 lead. However, the Casaña-Calado pairing ignited a swift turnaround, quickly erasing FEU’s advantage and restoring Cignal’s momentum.
This helped reassert the HD Spikers’ dominance, culminating in an emphatic 90-minute victory over the Morayta-based squad.
Louie Ramirez fired 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while Calado added nine points from an efficient 9-of-12 hitting in just two sets.
Lloyd Josafat also scored nine points built on three aces while Wendell Miguel had eight points, including four kill blocks.
