Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor gave Owa Retamar the ultimate praise following the HD Spikers’ successful debut in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex last Tuesday.
Clamor believes that Retamar is one of the best, if not the best setter in the Philippines right now, and the National University product proved just that after orchestrating Cignal’s straight-set drubbing of Chichi DHTSI.
“As I said, one of the best setters, if not the best setter in the Philippines,” said the four-time Spikers’ Turf champion coach.
Retamar, despite only playing in the first two sets of the match, delivered 10 excellent sets while also providing solid defense above the net as the HD Spikers romped the Titans, 25-16, 25-16, 25-14, for a winning debut.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The Alas Pilipinas assistant coach also praised the three-time Spikers’ Turf Best Setter for his eagerness to learn and going the extra mile to understand the team’s schemes.
“What’s good about him is nakikinig, he’s trying to adapt whatever systems we have lalo na setter siya. Dun kasi nagsa-start ‘yung system when it comes sa offense namin, sa setter talaga,” said Clamor.
“He’s trying, but at the same time hindi niya nakakalimutan ‘yung kung ano ‘yung pwede niyang i-contribute pa sa team, ‘yung pwede pang makadagdag para mas lumakas ‘yung team. I’m happy. Magaling siya, nakikinig, and ‘yun nga tina-try niya i-adapt kung ano meron kami,” he added.
For his part, Retamar admitted that he’s still adjusting to the HD Spikers’ style of play but remains committed to improving and adapting to the system as quickly as possible.
“Ngayon syempre naga-adjust pa rin ako sa team play, sa game play ng team, sa sistema nila coach,” said the two-time UAAP Finals MVP.
“Ang focus ko ngayon is makatulong sa Cignal and kumbaga, ‘yung team mabuo para at least gumanda ‘yung performance ng lahat hanggang sa mataas na part ng liga.”
