Cignal will begin the new year without two of its top spikers.
Team captain Ces Molina and starting middle blocker Riri Meneses had both played pivotal roles in transforming the HD Spikers into title contenders after a lackluster debut season in 2021.
The two have opted not to renew their contracts as the team prepares for the resumption of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
Avior Talent Management announced the development on Thursday afternoon.
“Ces Molina, Marivic Meneses, and Avior Talent Management extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Cignal HD Spikers management for the unwavering support and opportunities provided to Frances Xinia Molina and Marivic Meneses over the past three years,” the agency said in a statement.
“Your dedication and guidance have been instrumental in shaping their careers and leaving a legacy of excellence. Thank you for being an incredible part of their journey,” the statement continued.
Since joining Cignal in 2022, Molina and Meneses have been key contributors to the HD Spikers’ success. They helped lead the team to two silver medals and five bronze finishes across eight conferences.
Molina was awarded Conference MVP honors in the 2023 Invitationals, while Meneses earned two Best Middle Blocker awards in the 2022 Open Conference and the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
With Molina and Meneses no longer in the lineup, Cignal is down to 12 players as they gear up to resume action on January 21 against Galeries Tower at the Philsports Arena.
Moilna and Meneses could not play any other PVL team this conference, though, as they are registered with the HD Spikers.
“I encouraged the teams na if mag-eexpire yung contract ng isang player, si mother team at mag-expire si player A, huwag niyong i-lineup. If i-lineup niyo siya at hindi kayo nagkasundo sa usapan, hindi na siya makakalaro sa ibang team,” said PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo during the pre-conference press conference last November 4.
The HD Spikers currently hold the second spot in the standings with a 4-1 record.
