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Action between Cignal HD and DN Steel-FEU in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 24, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig. PVL Media
MANILA -- Cignal HD became the second team to secure a semifinals berth in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference after they defeated DN Steel-Far Eastern University at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig on Sunday.
The HD Spikers shook off a first set loss and imposed their will on the Ultras en route to a 25-27, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 victory.
They improved to 7-1 while handing the collegiate squad their second defeat against seven wins.
With the result, the final two spots in the semis are being contested by Criss Cross (6-1), Savouge (5-2), EcoOil-La Salle (4-3) and PGJC-Navy (4-3).
READ: Criss Cross sweeps La Salle for share of second
"Slow start," lamented Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. "Ang mindset ay parang kaya naman namin ito. Some of the players parang diesel na kinukuha lagi ang rhythm which is hindi dapat ganon."
"It's good na ‘yung second-stringers nag-perform. Sometimes very limited minutes pero quality," he added.
Mark Calado, a former FEU standout, teamed up with Louie Ramirez to torment his alma mater in the fourth set. They combined to erase a slim 10-13 deficit and put the HD Spikers ahead, 22-19, late in the frame.
Wendell Miguel eventually pounced on an overpassed ball from the Ultras to drill the match-winner.
Lloyd Josafat led the balanced Cignal offense with 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks, while JM Ronquillo and Calado contributed 10 points each. Co-captains JP Bugaoan and Miguel also chipped in nine points apiece.
Cignal will close out its nine-game elimination round schedule against PGJC Navy on Friday.
Mikko Espartero led the Ultras' charge with 17 points while Talisayan added 13 markers as the Ultras yielded the top spot to the HD Spikers.
DN Steel-FEU was missing the services of their top spiker, Dryx Saavedra.