With Louie Ramirez sidelined, Steven Rotter came up big in his return from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain to help the Cignal HD Spikers overcome newcomer Alpha Insurance Protectors in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
Cignal displayed its championship mettle right in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference opener, overcoming a tough challenge from newcomer Alpha Insurance late in the third set to claim a 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 victory at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
Tested early by the resilient Insurance Protectors, the HD Spikers found themselves in a tight battle in the third, trailing by two, 17-19, late in the frame on a Vincent Nadera hit.
But with the prospect of being forced into a fourth set, Cignal turned to big-serving Steven Rotter, who delivered three consecutive aces, transforming a narrow 20-19 lead into a commanding four-point cushion.
His crucial service run capped a decisive six-point surge for the HD Spikers.
Ruvince Abrot’s crosscourt hit pushed Cignal to match point, but Alpha Insurance refused to go down easily, rallying with three straight points to cut the deficit to one.
However, a mishit by JM Javelona following a spectacular save by the Protectors sealed the match in Cignal’s favor, allowing the HD Spikers to tie the Savouge Spin Doctors in the early standings.
Despite the win, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor admitted there is still room for improvement.
"Of course, there’s still a lot we need to improve on. We're still committing too many unforced errors. Since this was our first game, we were still adjusting, but by the next match, everyone should perform better," said Clamor in Filipino.
Cignal also played without key scorer Louie Ramirez, who sat out due to a shoulder injury.
"Some players are dealing with injuries. Hopefully, they’ll be able to play and contribute in the next game, especially Louie (Ramirez)," added Clamor.
With Ramirez sidelined, Rotter stepped up in his return from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, tallying 11 points off five attacks, four aces, and two blocks.
Jau Umandal contributed 10 points, including eight from attacks, while also recording four excellent receptions. Team captain JP Bugaoan added nine points, built on six attacks, two kill blocks and an ace.
Cignal will next face Savouge in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Alpha Insurance debuted without head coach Mike Santos and assistant coach Arnold Laniog, who were in Iloilo with PLDT for the final preliminary match of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. In their absence, assistant coach Melvin Carolino handled coaching duties for the Protectors.
Javelona led Alpha Insurance with 10 points off eight attacks, one block, and an ace, while team captain Camposano was limited to eight points.
The Protectors will aim for their first franchise win when they take on Criss Cross on Sunday at 6 p.m.