By ADRIAN STEWART CO

With its four-peat hopes on the line, the Cignal Super Spikers leaned on a career game by Jay Rack de la Noche to hand previously unbeaten Kindai University its first loss, 25-20, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal on Tuesday, November 25.

The Negrense rookie De La Noche shone the brightest for the Super Spikers, exploding for 22 points built on 19 kills and three blocks in his strongest showing of the tournament.

“After the loss to Savouge, wala po kaming ensayo. Siguro mindset na lang namin na hindi pa tapos ang laban,” the former University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers standout stated.

Staring at possible elimination, the Super Spikers delivered a composed, determined effort to climb back into semifinal contention and snap the Japanese squad’s three-game winning streak.

Cignal improved to 2-2, staying in fourth place but firmly within striking distance.

“Sabi ko kanina sa huddle, hindi namin alam kung ano ang magiging sitwasyon namin. Ang pinaka-importante, ipanalo namin ‘yung remaining games namin, then bahala na si Lord kung saan kami dadalhin,” Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor said.

The Super Spikers must now sweep the winless ProVolley Academy of Australia on Thursday, November 27, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre to keep their title drive alive.

Jau Umandal added 18 points along with nine digs and nine receptions, while brothers JP and Martin Bugaoan anchored the frontline with seven combined blocks, finishing with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Wendel Miguel chipped in nine points and eight digs before exiting the match after a hard fall into the bench while chasing a wayward ball.

Kindai, which opened the conference with wins over ProVolley Academy, Criss Cross and UST-Gameville, slipped to 3-1 after fading late.

Aun Ryutaro paced the Japanese side with 27 points on 24 attacks and three blocks./ASC, WDJ