For years, Cignal’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams have shared more than just a name. They’ve often filled the stands for each other’s games, celebrating wins together and drawing strength from a bond built on mutual support.
That connection made last Friday’s announcement all the more painful.
Cignal sent shockwaves through the local volleyball community after confirming it would take a leave of absence from the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, a decision that initially left the women’s team stunned and heavy-hearted.
The Super Spikers entered their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference debut carrying that emotional weight. Heads bowed and spirits shaken, they nevertheless refused to let disappointment define their campaign, quickly turning the setback into fuel for a dominant 25-17, 25-14, 25-11 victory over Galeries Tower on Saturday.
“Siguro ‘yun nga, nung nakita ko rin ‘yung news, na-sad lang din ako kasi hindi namin inexpect. Pero hindi pwede mag-dwell sa ganun,” Erika Santos said after the match.
(C) PVL Images
The sudden absence of their longtime counterparts added pressure to the women’s squad, especially given how closely the two teams have been bonded. They have regularly watched each other’s matches and taken inspiration from one another over the past few years.
Instead of shrinking, however, the Super Spikers embraced the challenge, determined to carry the Cignal banner forward on their own.
Santos believes everything happens for a reason, and on their side of the court, the exit of one of Spikers’ Turf’s most successful clubs has become a powerful reminder not to take any opportunity for granted.
“So, kami, may purpose kasi lahat ng nangyayari, so tina-take namin siya as motivation. ‘Yun, na-inspire na lang kami sa kung ano man ‘yung meron kami. Hindi namin tina-take advantage and mag-work harder pa kami,” said the PVL On Tour MVP, who finished with 14 points.
Despite the unexpected changes, Tin Tiamzon expressed gratitude for getting the chance to continue competing under the Cignal banner, vowing to repay the company’s trust with her best effort every game.
“You know, we’re given this opportunity to stay sa Cignal, and to give back din sa investment. And also, siyempre, ‘yung sa men’s team, hindi namin sasayangin ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun,” said Tiamzon, who backed up her words with a game-high 18 points.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos admitted he shared the team’s initial disappointment, acknowledging how difficult the news was for a program that prides itself on family — across both the men’s and women’s sides.
“Siyempre, sobrang nakakalungkot and nagulat din kami sa news na ‘yun,” Delos Santos said. “But for us, kailangan namin isipin kung ano ‘yung mas kailangan naming gawin ngayon, ano ‘yung mas importante, and ano ‘yung pwede naming gawin para sa Cignal.”
Delos Santos stressed that the focus now is on preparation, execution, and unity, believing that effort and mindset will ultimately define their season.
“Kasi family kami. Kami ‘yung mga nandiyan. So, the best way na magagawa namin is ipakita kung ano ‘yung naging investment ng Cignal,” he added.
