Cignal rolls into Spikers’ Turf semis

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal overcame a strong EcoOil-La Salle challenge in the first set to essay a 26-24, 25-18, 25-19, victory and advance to the semifinal round of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference before a packed Sunday crowd at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Jao Umandal fired 18 points while JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel came away with 16 and 10 points, respectively, for the HD Spikers, whose scrambling win in the opening set paved the way for a dominant performance that saw them flaunt their control in power and serves in the next two frames.

That led to the one-hour, 32-minute victory as the HD Spikers stayed on course for another title romp after winning the Open Conference last March via a 15-game sweep.

But it won’t be easy, given the strength of the field in the semis toughened up by the presence of a Japanese guest squad.

“We’re happy (to win). This game really mattered to us,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor. “Whether dikit or lumaban sila, basta ang importante ay manalo kami, kasi they’re (Green Oilers) a collegiate team, so they have nothing to lose.”

Despite some inconsistencies, particularly in the first set, the seasoned HD Spikers, who yielded 22 points off unforced errors, managed to overcome their younger rivals, who gave up 18 points off their miscues.

Umandal also flashed his defensive skills, producing eight excellent receptions with Manuel Sumanguid anchoring the team’s defense with 8 excellent digs and 9 receptions.

The HD Spikers, the only other team after the FEU Tamaraws to sweep the elims in Pool C, finished with 48 attack points, 17 more than their rivals and utilized their strong serves to claim six aces while conceding three to the Green Oilers.