Cignal is determined to finish strong this time around, aiming for its first-ever Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown and a golden double to close out the year after narrowly missing the feat last season.
The HD Spikers came close to achieving their goal last year, starting off with a significant win over AMC Cotabato in the Open Conference Finals.
However, they fell short of securing their third golden double after a heartbreaking loss to National University in the Invitational Conference finale.
Now, after a thrilling victory over Criss Cross in the 2024 Open Conference, Cignal is focused on finally taking care of business this year, bolstered by the addition of several collegiate stars to offset the possible absence of ace spiker Bryan Bagunas.
“This is a big challenge for us, but we will take things one game at a time. Sure, malaking boost sa amin ‘yung championship namin sa Open Conference, pero we should enter this new conference with a fresh mindset,” said head coach Clamor.
“We’ll rely on the lessons we’ve learned to grow as a team, lalo na’t palakas nang palakas ang mga teams sa Spikers’ Turf.”
The HD Spikers made significant additions during the offseason, bringing in National University’s Owa Retamar, Far Eastern University’s Martin Bugaoan, and De La Salle University’s JM Ronquillo to support key spikers like Jau Umandal and JP Bugaoan in the Invitational Conference, which is backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Clamor emphasized that the contributions of these new players, along with the return of Perpetual star Louie Ramirez, will be crucial in the team’s quest for the Invitational crown.
“We all know what kind of player Owa [Retamar] is. For sure, he will make a big impact for us in this conference, as well as Martin [Bugaoan], JM [Ronquillo], and Louie [Ramirez],” Clamor added.
