Still recovering from a left knee injury sustained during the Philippines’ four-set loss to Indonesia in the SEA V.League last August, Bryan Bagunas remains confident in Cignal’s chances of completing a ‘three-peat’ in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Despite the HD Spikers’ uncharacteristic struggles in the tournament, the National University alumnus believes his team must move past its preliminary-round challenges and make a strong statement in the round-robin semifinals, set to begin tomorrow, March 23, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Bagunas’ confidence remains firm even after the reigning champions suffered their second loss of the tournament, falling once again to rivals Criss Cross last March 14.
Finishing the eliminations with an 8-2 record, Cignal’s only two defeats came at the hands of the King Crunchers.
“Sa tingin ko naman, nandoon naman na yung skills nila and nandoon naman yung eagerness manalo. Yung adjustment lang talaga, kailangan nila mag-adjust ng mabilis,” Bagunas said during the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025 Partnership Launch with Honda on Friday afternoon at the Galio Events Place in Parañaque City.
“Nandoon naman sila, sadyang araw lang ng Criss Cross yung mga nakaraang games nila. This coming semis, siyempre semis na ito, ibang usapan na ito, kaya sure ako ibibigay nila yung best nila.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/Spikers Turf
Aside from making the necessary adjustments to finally solve the King Crunchers’ puzzle, Bagunas emphasized that Cignal’s loaded lineup must overcome its elimination-round struggles and build the confidence needed for a long title defense.
For the first time since 2018, the HD Spikers have dropped two elimination-round matches. Now, the likes of JP and Martin Bugaoan, Owa Retamar, Steven Rotter, and Louie Ramirez face the daunting task of keeping Cignal at the top of the Spikers’ Turf field.
“Sa tingin ko, maganda naman yung pinapakita ng Cignal.
“Sa tingin ko, kailangan lang nila magkaroon ng kumpiyansa sa sarili and ayon, kailangan nila mag-adjust ng mas mabilis para sa upcoming games nila, mas magets nila yung game and mas makontrol nila yung game. Nakikita ko naman sa kanila na eager sila to defend yung title,” said the 30th SEA Games silver medalist.
Although unable to suit up for Cignal in the Open Conference, Bagunas reassured that his recovery is on track.
Thanks to consistent rehabilitation and therapy, the 27-year-old outside hitter shared that he is now 60 to 70 percent recovered and has even resumed jumping in training sessions.
“For now ano naman, maganda naman yung progress ng therapy ko. Sa tingin ko, makakabalik naman ako as soon as possible pero siyempre, kailangan ko i-make sure na 100 percent talaga ako para makabalik agad,” he shared.
“Siguro mga 60 to 70 percent kasi nakakatalon na ulit ako.”
#WATCH: 60 to 70% READY 💪
Bryan Bagunas shares his recovery progress as the Men’s Volleyball World Championship draws closer 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/GCWll0bhvn
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 21, 2025
