CIGNAL clinched a semifinal berth, while Rebisco-Philippines ended its series of exhibition games on a high note in the Spikers’ Turf on Thursday at Paco Arena.
The HD Spikers extended their unbeaten run to eight matches, sweeping Navy, 25-18, 25-20, 26-24.
JP Bugaoan took charge when the third set was tied at 20 as he scored four of Cignal’s last six points to close out the match.
Marck Espejo scored 14 points, while Ysay Marasigan had 11 hits for Cignal.
“Actually may pressure entering the final four, kasi wala pa rin kaming talo,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. “Doon talaga sa semifinals ‘yung tunay na laban, anybody’s game. Pagaaralan namin kung sino makakalaban namin, kailangan lang preparado kami.”
Greg Dolor scored 14 points for Navy, which suffered its sixth loss in 10 matches.
Rebisco-Philippines, preparing for the Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championships from July 4 to 10, took down PLDT Home Fibr, 24-26, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18.
Bryan Bagunas led the way for the nationals with 20 points, while Fauzi Ismail chipped in 17 hits.
Espejo, who played back-to-back matches, added 14 markers for the Philippine team.
“Sana magtuloy tuloy lang ‘yung ginagalaw ng mga bata,” said National team head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Sana kung ano ‘man ‘yung mga nagiging problema namin, masolusyunan namin pagdating sa mga darating pa naming practice at competitions.”
Animo kept its Final Four hopes alive, beating Volleyball Never Stops, 21-25, 25-22, 34-36, 25-23, 15-12.
Roniey Adviento led Animo with 22 points on 18 attacks, three aces and a block, while JD Reyes chipped in 19 points as Animo improved to 5-4 top gain a share of fifth spot with idle Sta. Elena. VNS dropped to 2-7.
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