The Cignal HD Spikers were down one setter, but Cian Silang stepped up to the task in orchestrating the defending champions' second win in the semifinals.
The Cignal HD Spikers continued their dominant run in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference semifinals, dispatching the D'Navigators Iloilo in straight sets, 25-14, 25-21, 25-17, on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Cignal entered the match wary of Iloilo, who had just upset the Criss Cross King Crunchers in a thrilling five-set encounter.
In the opening set, Cignal established their dominance early. They racked up 16 attacks compared to Iloilo's seven, while also registering three blocks against D'Navigators' lone block. This firepower propelled Cignal to a 25-14 set win.
D'Navigators managed to reach the first technical timeout in the second set, but Cignal quickly regained control, fueled by the setting of Cian Silang, who finished the game with 22 excellent sets and was hailed as Player of the Game.
The HD Spikers ultimately secured the second set at 25-21 and breezed through the third, 25-17.
Bryan Bagunas chipped in 16 points, including three blocks and seven excellent receptions. Jau Umandal was another offensive weapon for Cignal, tallying 17 points from 15 attacks.
Iloilo struggled to find its rhythm throughout the match. Edward Camposano was their lone bright spot, scoring 12 points.
This victory marks Cignal's 10th consecutive win, primed up to snatch a finals slot. They will face the Criss Cross King Crunchers in a highly-anticipated rematch on Sunday, May 5. Meanwhile, D'Navigators will battle PGJC Navy on the same day, hoping to clinch a finals berth themselves.