Cignal HD's Steven Rotter in action against VNS-Laticrete in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 9, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena. PVL Media
MANILA -- Cignal HD needed to survive a late charge from VNS-Laticrete to win their match in straight sets on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The HD Spikers completed a 25-16, 25-15, 26-24 triumph to get back in the win column in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
It was a bounce-back win for the defending champions, who were coming off a shock straight-sets loss to archrival Criss Cross last week.
READ: Criss Cross overwhelms Cignal to claim solo lead
Though they got the job done in three sets, the final frame was far from a straightforward affair as VNS pulled ahead, 21-17, and threatened to extend the match.
Fortunately for Cignal HD, Mfena Gwaza and Ruvince Abrot stepped up to spark a 5-0 blast that put them ahead. CJ Segui responded for VNS, delivering back-to-back points along with KC Culabat to put the Griffins at set point.
Gwaza again came to the rescue for the HD Spikers, scoring off two consecutive quick hits then denying Segui at the net for a 25-24 lead for his squad. A net violation by VNS' RK Medino secured the win for Cignal HD after VNS' RK Medino,
"The third set was really tight. It's a good thing we were able to win this game despite the fatigue from our last two hard training sessions," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
Team captain Wendel Miguel paced Cignal with nine points, while Steven Rotter added eight markers in a two-set appearance. Lloyd Josafat and Louie Ramirez contributed seven markers apiece, while setter EJ Casana provided stability with 11 excellent sets and chipped in three points, all from blocks.
Abrot and Gwaza, who were inserted only in the third set, provided the needed spark with seven and six points, respectively. Their efforts helped Cignal improve to a 5-1 record, securing second place in the standings despite the absence of key spiker Jau Umandal, who sat out due to a hyperextended knee.
Meanwhile, VNS-Laticrete absorbed its second straight loss, falling to a 1-5 record. Segui led the Griffins with 10 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Rash Nursiddik scored eight. Culabat and Archer Codeniera added seven points apiece.
Cignal will aim to solidify its momentum when it faces Savouge on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Griffins will have a daunting task ahead as they face the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers, also on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.