MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers overcame a tough challenge from D’Navigators-Iloilo for a 25-16, 25-23, 26-24 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The HD Spikers erased a 22-24 deficit in the third set by unloading four unanswered attacks to secure a straight-set win, their third consecutive as they improve to a 4-1 win-loss slate.
Team captain JP Bugaoan and Jau Umandal finished with nine points apiece to lead the way for the HD Spikers, while Louie Ramirez also made his presence felt with eight points.
HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor admitted that he made some experiment in the third set by using his seldomly-used players, which nearly backfired after D’Navigators-Iloilo reached set point at 24-22.
“Actually, nung third set kasi ginamit namin ‘yung second six. So dapat laging ready, kasi ‘yung team na ito equally talented players eh. Dapat lang ‘yung second stringers isipin nila kapag gagamitin sila is to contribute,” Clamor said after the game.
“Ganun ‘yung tiwala ko sa kanila na magde-deliver sila. Kahit sinong gamitin sa court, first six or second six, kasi as I said same level nga eh. Kaya lang, hindi pwedeng kapag sila ‘yung gagamitin, nawawala sa focus,” he added.
Vince Himzon top-scored for D’Navigators-Iloilo with nine points, while Steven Sta. Maria and Kyle Villamor added eight markers apiece as they suffered their fifth straight defeat to drop to a 1-5 record.
Meanwhile, EcoOil-La Salle Green Archers clawed back from a set down to defeat PGJC Navy Sealions, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, and stretch their unbeaten record to four games.
Vince Maglinao delivered his best game yet this conference with 21 points to go with 14 excellent digs, while Joshua Magalaman and Glen Ventura ended with 14 markers apiece for the Green Archers./PN
