Jau Umandal chalked a conference-high 36 points to buoy the seamless Cignal HD Spikers over the D’Navigators, securing the first semis berth in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Jau Umandal exploded for a league career-best 36 points, willing the Cignal HD Spikers past the D’Navigators in five grueling sets, 21-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 15-7, to secure the first semis berth in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena Wednesday night, April 17.
With Bryan Bagunas sidelined due to prior commitment with Win Streak in Taiwan, the defending champions heavily relied on Umandal in completing a come-from-behind win that extended their league-best record to 6-0.
Umandal tallied the conference's highest score in a game that came from 32 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. He also collected 10 receptions and six digs.
With their backs against the wall in the fourth frame, the HD Spikers leaned on Umandal, who rattled off three consecutive hits that instigated a set-clinching 7-1 run to forge a decider.
Come the fifth set, Umandal linked up with Wendel Miguel and JP Bugaoan to push Cignal ahead, 12-5.
The D’Navigators tried to tip the scales back to their favor with two straight points but Umandal restored order with a searing hit for the HD Spikers, who preserved the lead the rest of the way.
No other Cignal player scored in double figures as Miguel and Bugaoan pitched in nine and six markers, respectively.
Madz Gampong, Vince Abrot, and Lloyd Josafat contributed five apiece for the HD Spikers, who drew 24 excellent sets from Cian Silang.
The D’Navigators, meanwhile, could not capitalize on Cignal’s slow start, falling to a 4-2 record, still in fourth place.
Francis Saura poured 19 points built on 16 attacks and three blocks, while Ed Camposano put up 17 markers, seven receptions, and five digs that all went down the drain.
Deanne Neil De Pedro had 12 points for the D’Navigators, who were overwhelmed in attacks with a 44-66 disparity.
Cignal seeks to sustain its formidable form when it takes on VNS Nasty, while D’Navigators aim to bolster their semis bid when they face the hapless Richmarc Sports 3B on April 24, Wednesday.
Both matches will be held at the Paco Arena.