CIGNAL battled back from seven points down in third set to frustrate Vanguard, 25-16, 25-18, 26-24, to keep its unblemished run in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference eliminations at the Paco Arena on Sunday.
The HD Spikers came charging back from a 4-11 deficit behind Marck Espejo and JP Bugaoan then Wendell Miguel shattered a 24-all count with a stinging kill before Espejo sealed the victory with an ace, capping the unbeaten squad’s decisive closing 8-1 run.
“It wasn’t as good as our performance during our last game naming, we had more unforced errors this time performance,” Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor said. “What’s great is that the players showed the right attitude, proved their experience.”
Espejo led the way with 11 points while team captain Ysay Marasigan added 10 markers as the HD Spikers closed in on the first semifinal berth with a 7-0 slate, their big late rally likewise preserving their impressive run of 3-0 victories.
After taking the first two sets in emphatic fashions, the HD Spikers went on a platoon substitution but found themselves trailing by seven as Nathan Sorio took over and spearheaded the Volley Hitters’ assault.
Vanguard reached the set point, 24-21, on a Sorio down-the-line but Espejo and Bugaoan combined for five straight points.
The Volley Hitters, who drew six and five points from Vince Abrot and Sorio, respectively, fell to 1-6 in a tie with the Air Force side.