Jau Umandal delivered 23 points as the Cignal HD Spikers zoomed to an early solo lead in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after dispatching the Savouge Aesthetics Spin Doctors.
Behind Jau Umandal’s offensive outburst, Cignal fended off the tough challenge of Savouge Aesthetics, carving out a hard-earned sweep, 25-15, 27-25, 25-23, to grab an early solo lead in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the PhilSports Arena Wednesday night.
Umandal fired off a game-high 23 points, all coming from attacks, laced with 10 receptions to preserve the unbeaten start of the HD Spikers, who now hold a 3-0 card.
The defending champions came out firing to secure the opening set, but the Spin Doctors were quick to establish their footing, even taking the lead for the most part of the second salvo.
Refusing to surrender a set, Umandal towed Cignal back into contention before delivering the differential hits in the extended second frame to move closer to a sweep.
The decisive third also saw another nip-and-tuck affair that led to a deadlock at 23. This time, it was JP Bugaoan who came through for the HD Spikers as he nailed two consecutive blows to ice the game for good.
Bugaoan finished with nine attacks and two blocks for 11 points, while Lloyd Josafat and Mark Calado chipped in five markers apiece.
It was an error-plagued showing for both teams as Cignal coughed out 21 miscues to Savouge's 23.
The Spin Doctors, who were coming off a season-opening sweep of VNS Nasty, fell to 1-1.
Jhun Señoron was the lone double-digit scorer for Savouge with 13 points. He also had 13 receptions and five digs in the losing cause.
Sherwin Caritativo managed to score eight, while Renzel Antonio had seven markers in the defeat.
Cignal guns for 4-0 when it takes on Philippine Air Force on April 3, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Savouge Aesthetics, on the other hand, seeks to get back on winning track when it collides with D’Navigators Iloilo on March 24, Sunday at the Paco Arena.