December 03, 2024

Spikers' Turf: Cignal subdues DNS Steel FEU, clinches semis berth

Spikers
Mark Calado and the Cignal HD Spikers clinch a playoff berth and the number one seed after winning over the DNS Steel-FEU Ultras. | Photo: Spikers' Turf
Undeterred by an early surge from the young and dynamic DN Steel FEU side, the seasoned Cignal HD Spikers mounted a fierce comeback, showcasing their firepower and resolve to secure a 25-27, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 victory over the Ultras in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig on Sunday.

Cignal’s victory not only clinched the HD Spikers the second semifinal slot with a 7-1 record, tying DN Steel FEU at the helm, but also left the fight for the remaining two berths wide open among Criss Cross, Savouge, EcoOil La Salle and PGJC Navy.

But with a 6-1 record, the King Crunchers are in prime position, further boosted by a favorable matchup against the winless Chichi DHTSI Titans on Wednesday.

“Slow start. Ang mindset ay parang kaya naman namin ito. Some of the players parang diesel na kinukuha lagi ang rhythm which is hindi dapat ganon,” rued Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
“It’s good na ‘yung second-stringers nag-perform. Sometimes very limited minutes pero quality. Yun yung hinahanap namin lagi na ang maganda sa team na ito, yung second-stringer pang first six talaga,” he added.

Former FEU standout Mark Calado teamed up with Louie Ramirez to deliver in the pivotal fourth set, spearheading the HD Spikers' remarkable comeback from a 10-13 deficit in a tense and tightly contested battle.

The set was marked by a thrilling exchange of sideouts midway through, until the HD Spikers seized control at 22-19, courtesy of a crucial Lloyd Josafat-Calado block on Mikko Espartero.

A service ace from Cignal and an FEU service error following a Jelord Talisayan off-the-block hit brought Cignal to match point. The HD Spikers sealed the victory with a decisive Wendell Miguel kill at center, capitalizing on an FEU overpass.

Calado earned top honors for his stellar performance and emphasized the significance of the win in their campaign for another championship.

“This win has a huge impact as we head into the semifinals. Hopefully, we can sustain this momentum, but the journey isn’t over yet – we still have crucial games ahead,” said Calado in Filipino, who expressed gratitude to his teammates for their unwavering trust.

“I gave my best, but it wasn’t easy. We knew FEU came prepared for us,” he added.

With the HD Spikers at set point in the first frame, 25-24, Espartero and Doula Ndongala scored for the Ultras with an off-the-block hit and a service ace before Ramirez’s flawed attack gave FEU the early lead. 

However, once the reigning Open Conference champions found their rhythm, their relentless attack and impenetrable defense overwhelmed the Ultras, who sorely missed the firepower of their top spiker Dryx Saavedra.

Josafat led the balanced Cignal offense with 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks, while JM Ronquillo and Mark Calado contributed 10 points each. Co-captains JP Bugaoan and Miguel also chipped in nine points apiece.

Cignal will close out its nine-game elimination round schedule against PGJC Navy on Friday.

Espartero led the Ultras’ charge with 17 points while Talisayan added 13 markers as the Ultras yielded the top spot to the HD Spikers.

FEU-DN Steel outperformed Cignal in spikes, 58-49, but the latter dominated the net, coming away with 13 blocks against the Ultras’ four. The HD Spikers also cashed in on their rivals’ glaring 34 errors.

Despite out-hitting the HD Spikers in the third set (14-8), FEU struggled to maintain momentum, hindered by a slew of unforced errors and the absence of Saavedra, whose hard-hitting attacks were sorely missed.

Cignal exploited these gaps masterfully. Their five blocks in the pivotal third set contrasted sharply with FEU’s single block, turning the tide decisively in favor of the HD Spikers. Moreover, Cignal’s ability to minimize errors underscored its superiority.

The HD Spikers netted 11 free points while yielding just five of their own, including four from the service line.

While the Ultras displayed glimpses of their talent, particularly in the first set led by Espartero, their inability to find consistent backup options proved costly. The absence of Saavedra further exposed gaps in their lineup, leaving them vulnerable to Cignal’s methodical and relentless assault.

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