Jau Umandal and the Cignal HD Spikers will have one more opportunity to bring home their ninth Spikers' Turf title come Game 3 of the Open Conference Finals.
Despite falling short in Game 2 of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals, Jau Umandal remains optimistic about the Cignal HD Spikers’ chances as they gear up for a winner-take-all Game 3 against the Criss Cross King Crunchers.
Umandal led the HD Spikers’ offense in Game 2, finishing with 22 points built on 20 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
Cignal, however, fell short of their comeback in the fifth set, allowing Criss Cross to hold on to the victory.
“Hindi talaga para sa amin. 'Yun na lang 'yung look forward ng bawat isa sa amin—na hindi para sa amin. Siguro, may maganda pang plan si Lord. Baka Game 3, bigay niya sa amin. 'Yun na lang 'yung pinanghahawakan ng bawat isa sa amin sa nangyayari ngayon,” Umandal told reporters after the match.
With their three-peat hopes hanging in the balance, Umandal knows the importance of maintaining the right mindset ahead of a pressure-packed Game 3. The high-flying spiker also emphasized the impact of collective energy on the team’s performance.
“Ibibigay lang ako ng positive energy sa mga kasama ko. Pag nahawaan ko sila siguro, doon na, doon na 'yung positive energy na papasok sa loob ng court. Which is kami rin 'yung makikinabang,” said Umandal.
“Kung lahat kami, maganda 'yung energy na mabibigay namin sa bawat isa, sama-sama na rin yun sa loob," he added.
Now, the HD Spikers will look to channel their captain’s positive energy and fight for their 9th Spikers’ Turf title in Game 3 on Sunday, April 6 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.