Cignal coach Dexter Clamor is poised to unveil another strategic move as the HD Spikers gear up for Game 2 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals against the Criss Cross King Crunchers today (Friday) at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With the championship within reach, Clamor remains tight-lipped about his plans, hinting at yet another surprise tactic to keep the opposition guessing in their 6 p.m. showdown.
In the series’ opener Wednesday, Clamor shuffled his starting lineup, a move that paid off handsomely, with co-captain Wendel Miguel and Nas Gwaza, who took over Madz Gampong and Lloyd Josafat’s spots, making impactful contributions. This adjustment, coupled with Bryan Bagunas’ explosive performance, steered Cignal to a thrilling 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19 victory.
Now, the HD Spikers are determined to maintain their momentum and secure the title without allowing the best-of-three series to reach a deciding game.
Jau Umandal backed Bagunas with 15 points, JP Bugaoan and Miguel added 11 markers each, and Gwaza shone with eight points, with Clamor expecting them to deliver standout performances once again.
Clamor emphasizes the need to address their errors and weaknesses, acknowledging that there’s still room for improvement despite their Game 1 triumph. With the championship on the line, Cignal is pulling out all the stops in their quest for a second consecutive Open trophy and a seventh Spikers’ Turf title.
“Mas paghahandaan pa namin sila sa Game 2. Bawat rotations, bawat errors, marami pa rin kasi kaming errors eh. We will work on our errors, our weaknesses para pagdating sa Game 2, handing-handa na kami para sa kanila,” said Clamor.
Meanwhile, Criss Cross will rely heavily on Marck Espejo and Jude Garcia to lead their charge. Still, they’ll need stronger support from the rest of the team to stay competitive after Kim Malabunga chipped in seven points while team captain Ysay Marasigan struggled for just two markers the first time out.
In the battle for the bronze medal, PGJC-Navy aims to finish strong against the D’Navigators, seeking to replicate their podium finish from the 2022 Open, Coach George Pascua is optimistic about their chances, urging his team to seize the opportunity and claim another victory.
“One push na lang. Hopefully, manalo ulit kami kasi sayang naman eh,” said Navy coach George Pascua, who also steered his team to a stirring come-from-behind five-set victory over the D’Navigators to foil the latter’s final aspirations last Sunday.
Games today (Friday)
4 p.m. – PGJC-Navy vs D’Navigators
6 p.m. – Criss Cross vs Cignal