SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Cignal made a strong statement in its opening match of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, overpowering Chichi DHTSI, 25-16, 25-16, 25-15, at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex here in Laguna on Tuesday.
Prized newcomers Owa Retamar and JM Ronquillo made stellar debuts for the HD Spikers, living up to their much-anticipated arrival by steering the team to a swift, 1-hour and 11-minute victory.
Despite missing key players Louie Ramirez, Wendel Miguel and Steven Rotter, the HD Spikers flexed their depth and dominance in a convincing victory as they launched their bid for a season sweep of the tournament.
Cignal’s overwhelming attack crushed the Titans’ defense from the get-go, setting the tone for its campaign to secure the season-ending tournament title, following their Open Conference triumph last May, where the HD Spikers swept the Criss Cross King Crunchers.
Retamar, a former National U standout, set the pace with 10 excellent sets in just the first two frames, setting the tone for Cignal’s commanding performance. Meanwhile, Ronquillo, formerly of De La Salle U, also made an impact with nine points, including five attacks, two blocks and two aces.
“Maybe to others, it looks like a strong start, but for us coaches and players, we’re not completely satisfied. We committed a lot of unforced errors that shouldn’t be happening at our level,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
The HD Spikers leveraged their superior height and powerful frontline, converting 48 out of 94 attack attempts, while limiting the Titans to just 18 successful hits.
Jau Umandal led Cignal’s offensive charge with 12 points, while Mark Calado added 10 markers, including eight attacks and two kill blocks. Team captain JP Bugaoan also contributed nine points in the win.
On defense, Vince Lorenzo stood out with 10 excellent digs and nine solid receptions, reinforcing Cignal’s backline stability.
The HD Spikers are set to face the Savouge Spin Doctors on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, the Titans dropped to 0-3 in the conference. Matt Miguel scored six points for Chichi DHTSI, while captain Jonathan Sorio added five markers. Chichi will try to bounce back in their next match against PGJC Navy, also on Friday at 4 p.m.–//
