Cignal and the D’Navigators dispute the solo lead—and the inside track to the finals—setting the stage for an electrifying showdown of teams riding high on confidence in the semifinal round of 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila today (Friday).
The defending champions HD Spikers kept the momentum of their emphatic run in the elims, sinking the PGJC-Navy Sealions, 25-16, 29-27, 25-22, in the opener of the semis Wednesday. Their nine-game winning streak speaks volumes of their dominance in the tournament organized by Sports Vision thus far.
However, they remain wary of the D’Navigators, who stunned the powerhouse Criss Cross King Crunchers, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17, in a thrilling encounter.
For Cignal coach Dexter Clamor, the key lies in the team’s determination, while his counterpart, Boyet Delmoro, emphasizes the importance of morale heading into the crucial match. Both coaches believe the strength of all teams in the top four and recognize that victory hinges on sheer desire and effort.
“Lahat ng teams na pumasok dito sa top four malalakas, lahat kayang pumasok ng championship. So it’s all about ‘yung pinakagusto manalo sa semis ‘yun ‘yung papasok sa finals,” said Clamor.
“Hindi ibig sabihin na lamang kami sa talent ay sure na agad kaming papasok sa championship, lahat paghihirapan,” he added.
The HD Spikers boast a formidable roster, led by heavy hitters Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal, who delivered 21 and nine points, respectively, against the Sealions.
On the other hand, the D’Navigators relied on their wing spikers Francis Saura, Toto De Pedro, and Edward Camposano, who scored 20, 12, and 10 points, respectively, to stun the heavily-favored King Crunchers.
Delmoro acknowledges the morale boost following their victory over the King Crunchers, underscoring his wards’ determination to continue their surge.
“Malaking bagay ‘to kasi tumaas yung morale, mataas ang morale ng team so magtatrabaho nang magtatrabaho ‘yan,” said Delmoro.
Meanwhile, Criss Cross and Navy try to wheel back into finals contention as they tangle in the 6 p.m. main game.
Marck Espejo and Jude Garcia will lead the charge for the King Crunchers, while Greg Dolor and Peter Quiel aim to elevate the Sealions’ performance.
Held to a six-point output by the HD Spikers, recent Spikers’ Turf Player of the Week recipient Joeven Dela Vega is also expected to bounce back with a stellar performance for Navy.
Games Friday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
4 p.m. – D’Navigators vs Cignal
6 p.m. – Criss Cross vs PGJC-Navy