One Sports
Friday, November 15, 2024
The Cignal HD Spikers flexed some championship pedigree, clobbering EcoOil-La Salle Green Oilers in straight sets in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
Louie Ramirez shines for the Cignal HD Spikers with 16 points on 15 attacks in sweeping victory against EcoOil-La Salle Green Oilers. | Photo: Spikers' Turf
Veteran-laden Cignal delivered a masterclass sweepi of youthful De La Salle-EcoOil, 25-21, 25-12, 25-19, to secure its fourth consecutive victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
With the win, the HD Spikers improved to a solo second spot with a 5-1 record while handing the Green Oilers their first defeat in this season-ending men’s volleyball tournament.
“I’m very happy lalo na nung second set na ang errors namin ay four lang. I was quite [frustrated] during the first set kasi we had 10 errors… I’m very happy kasi alam naman natin ang mga bata aggressive yan,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
Clamor also motivated his players by reminding them of their collegiate dominance.
“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,” added the champion mentor.
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.