The Cignal HD Spikers celebrate a point against VNS in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 22, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Arena. PVL MediaMANILA -- Cignal HD boosted its semifinals charge in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference after cruising to a 25-16, 25-17, 25-17 sweep of an overmatched VNS side at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
This is the HD Spikers' fifth straight win, improving their record to 6-1 after a 1-1 start to their campaign. As it stands, they are at solo second in the league standings, ahead of rivals Criss Cross (5-1).
The DN Steel FEU Ultras secured the first semis slot earlier in the day with a straight-set triumph over the EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers.
READ: DN Steel-FEU sweeps La Salle to barge into semis
Nas Gwaza, Mark Calado and Alfred Valbuena anchored the HD Spikers’ charge in the third frame to break away from a tight 13-10 lead to a 19-10 advantage en route to completing their 85-minute romp.
Gwaza, a one-time Best Middle Blocker, led Cignal with 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks and an ace to clinch the game’s top honors, while Jau Umandal added 12 points in a two-set stint.
Steven Rotter contributed nine points in two sets while Mark Calado had eight points in the lopsided victory.
"This game was important to us. We needed to win to make sure we’ll make it to the Last 4," said Gwaza.
The Griffins, after back-to-back wins to stay alive, slid down to 3-5 -- officially out of the semis race. They will close their campaign against the Green Oilers on Dec. 1.
CJ Segui led VNS with 12 points and nine excellent receptions while Roderick Medino contributed nine points.
The HD Spikers will take on DN Steel-FEU on Sunday, with a win sealing their place in the Final 4.