Jau Umandal and the Cignal Super Spikers during a game against UST-Gameville in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jau Umandal poured in 26 points to lead Cignal to the win column of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinal round, haunting his alma mater, University of Santo Tomas-Gameville, 25-17, 25-13, 26-24, on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Umandal utilized his familiarity with UST, where he developed as a player during his UAAP career and even worked on the coaching staff in Season 85 three years ago, in his game-best showing.
The former national team stalwart nailed 22 kills of his 36 attempts on top of two blocks and two aces as Cignal improved to 1-1, tying Criss Cross in third place after losing to them last night in five sets.
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Umandal also relished the opportunity to play against his younger brother Sherwin and the rest of the Golden Spikers.
“I guess I’m excited, because he’s an opposite and I’m an outside hitter. As his ‘Kuya,’ I can’t let him block me. Every time I attack, I’m thinking, ‘You can’t block me,’” quipped Jau in Filipino.
Jau Umandal and the Cignal Super Spikers during a game against UST-Gameville in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
“I was part of their coaching staff during my last playing year, so I’m close with all of them. It’s always just ‘Good luck!’ and they call me ‘Kuya, Kuya!’”
Steven Rotter had nine points for the Super Spikers, while another former UST stalwart in libero Van Tracy Prudenciado had 14 excellent receptions and five digs.
“Yesterday’s loss really hit us hard. Even last night, most of us couldn’t sleep,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
“But this morning, we were up early. We even had a viewing session before coming here for the game. There’s nothing else we can do but move forward. Focus on the next game, focus on the next ball, and be more specific about what we need to do inside the court.”
Cignal takes on Savouge, which leads the race to the final with a 2-0 card, tied with Japan’s Kindai University, on Monday at the same venue at 3 p.m.
UST slid to 0-2 with GBoy De Vega being the lone bright spot with 15 points and 18 receptions.
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The Golden Spikers eye their first win against Kindai University also on Monday at 1 p.m.