Action between Cignal HD and Savouge in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference semifinals, December 4, 2024 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL MediaMANILA -- Cignal HD on Wednesday earned a measure of revenge against Savouge in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The HD Spikers roared to a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 triumph against the Spin Doctors in their first assignment in the round-robin semis at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The result allowed Cignal HD to get back at Savouge, which pulled off a stunning five-set triumph against the powerhouse squad when they met in the elimination round last October 25.
"Syempre nagpapasalamat ako na nanalo kami, nagpapasalamat ako sa players na nakikinig, nagco-contribute on and off the court. Medyo kailangan lang ng maturity ng iba kasi nawawalan ng sense of urgency, nagiging complacent," said Cignal HD coach Dexter Clamor as they joined archrival Criss Cross at the top of the semis standings.
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Louie Ramirez starred for Cignal HD with 17 points, all on attacks, while rookie JM Ronquillo added 14 points and Wendel Miguel and team captain JP Bugaoan contributed eight and six points, respectively. Miguel also made his presence felt on defense with seven excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Setter Owa Retamar played a pivotal role in orchestrating Cignal’s offense, dishing out 22 excellent sets in the HD Spikers’ eighth consecutive victory.
Cignal will next face FEU-DN Steel on Friday at 4:00 p.m. in a bid to solidify their standing in the round-robin semifinals.
Savouge, on the other hand, fell to a 0-1 record, tied with the Ultras.
Norwel Sanama, who appeared to suffer an injury in the final play, led the Spin Doctors with 11 points, while John Diwa and Louis Gamban chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.
Savouge aims to bounce back against Japanese team KondohGumi Hyogo on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.