Jao Umandal and the Cignal HD Spikers started their title-retention bid in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on a positive note at the expense of the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions.
Cignal's title-retention bid is off to a strong start after dispatching PGJC-Navy, 25-17, 25-16, 27-25, in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The HD Spikers came out firing on all cylinders, showcasing their high-octane offense to snatch a two-set buffer.
A comfortable sweep looked imminent in the decisive third, as the defending champions raced to a 12-7 separation. However, the Sea Lions whittled away the deficit before taking the lead at 23-22, courtesy of Joeven Dela Vega.
Dela Vega though coughed out a crucial error before JP Bugaoan roofed Greg Dolor to put Cignal at match point, 24-23.
Navy got another lease on life as Dela Vega forged a two-to-win situation. Following a trade of blows, Jao Umandal and Mark Calado put up the finishing touches to seal the deal.
"Buti nalang kami 'yung nanalo noong third set. Nagtiyaga kami all throughout the game. Ang importante dito may natutunan at panalo," Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor said.
Umandal put up a game-high 17 points to give Cignal a winning start.
JP Bugaoan chipped in 10 markers, while Wendel Miguel contributed nine points.
The HD Spikers outgunned the Sea Lions in the spiking department, 43-33.
Dela Vega paced the losing side with 14 points, while Dolor managed 11 markers.
Cignal guns for 2-0 when it faces league newcomer Richmarc Sports 3B, while PGJC-Navy seeks a breakthrough win when it takes on Air Force on March 17, Sunday.