In a surprising move, Cignal — the most decorated club in Spikers’ Turf history — announced Friday afternoon that it will take a leave of absence from the upcoming Open Conference.
The team explained that the decision came after management conducted a thorough review of the company’s current and future plans, considering how best to align the club’s programs and priorities moving forward.
“The Cignal Super Spikers – Men’s Volleyball Team has formally filed a Leave of Absence for the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Open Conference,” the team said in a statement.
“This difficult decision was made after a careful review by management of Cignal’s current and future plans. The Cignal Super Spikers organization is deeply grateful to its coaches, players, and staff,” the statement continued.
Although the men’s team will be taking a break from Spikers’ Turf, Cignal’s women’s squad in the Premier Volleyball League will continue as scheduled, beginning its All-Filipino Conference campaign tomorrow against Galeries Tower.
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With nine championships since 2015 — six of which they won under head coach Dexter Clamor — the Super Spikers are the league’s most successful team.
They were coming off a historic three-peat before their bid for a fourth consecutive title fell short, settling for bronze in the Invitational Conference.
Cignal’s decision to pause operations leaves the league with only five teams ahead of the season-opening tournament, slated for the first quarter of the year.
Key players — including JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, Owa Retamar, Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat, and Jau Umandal — are expected to enter free agency.
The rest of the roster — including Wendel Miguel, EJ Casana, JM Ronquillo, Cian Silang, Jared Schnake, Jay Rack De La Noche, Van Prudenciado, Nas Gwaza, Martin Bugaoan, Vince Abrot, and KC Andrade — will also enter free agency, giving other clubs an opportunity to strengthen their lineups with proven Spikers’ Turf talent.
