JM Ronquillo of Cignal HD in action against De La Salle-EcoOil in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 15, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. PVL MediaMANILA -- Cignal HD imposed its will against a youthful De La Salle-EcoOil side in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The HD Spikers seized a 25-21, 25-12, 25-19 win -- their fourth straight -- to hike their record to 5-1 in the tournament.
Moreover, they gave the Green Oilers their first defeat of the conference after the collegiate team won its first four assignments.
"I'm very happy, lalo na noong second set na ang errors namin ay four lang," said Cignal HD coach Dexter Clamor, who was displeased with their 10 miscues in the opener. "I'm very happy, kasi alam naman natin ang mga bata, aggressive 'yan."
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Clamor reminded his players that they, too, were stars during their collegiate days and urged them not to be shown up by the younger team.
"During the huddle, I told my players you were the star players in your teams during your collegiate years. It's not yabang, it's pride na talented tayong lahat, university ang kalaban na mas bata sa atin, dapat hindi tayo magpapatalo," he said.
After being overwhelmed in the second set, La Salle came out stronger in the third, managing a 12-10 lead midway.
However, Cignal's firepower—led by La Salle alumnus JM Ronquillo and Louie Ramirez—quickly turned the tide.
Wendel Miguel and Lloyd Josafat also stepped up in the latter stages to secure the victory in just one hour and 25 minutes.
Ramirez shone with 16 points on an efficient 15-of-24 attacking clip, while middle blocker Josafat and outside hitter Miguel contributed nine points apiece.
Ronquillo added eight points, and JP Bugaoan delivered seven points, including four blocks.
For La Salle-EcoOil, Noel Kampton tallied 12 points and eight excellent receptions, but it wasn't enough to avoid dropping to a 4-1 record, tying them at third place with the Criss Cross King Crunchers.
Both teams will return to action next Friday at the same venue.
Cignal will take on VNS at 6 p.m., while La Salle-EcoOil will clash with fellow collegiate squad Far Eastern University-DN Steel at 4 p.m.