The Cignal HD Spikers have been a long-time powerhouse team in the Spikers’ Turf, boasting six titles, making them the winningest team in the league.
However, in the upcoming 2024 Open Conference, the HD Spikers have undergone retooling after losing several players to opposing teams.
The Ateneo de Manila University core of Marck Espejo, Ysay Marasigan, and Manuel Sumanguid has departed, all transferring to the newly-formed Rebisco-backed team Criss Cross.
As the HD Spikers begin retooling, the other eight teams in the field see this as an opportunity to strike and hopefully breach the podium.
With chemistry being a crucial element of the winning formula in volleyball, Cignal may be an easier puzzle to solve this time.
“Actually, mas may chance ‘yung ibang teams kasi nga marami ring players ang gumagraduate, at ‘yung mga top teams napupuno. Kaya ‘yung ibang mga players, kumakalat sa iba’t ibang teams, so mas may chance ngayon,” said VNS-Nasty head coach Ralph Ocampo during the league’s press conference on Friday at the Discovery Suites Ortigas.
“Actually, I respect all the coaches; they are good. Lahat ng coaches magagaling, lahat ng players magagaling ‘yan, but ang basa ko diyan, they’re human and we’re human,” added Savouge Aesthetics head coach Sammy Acaylar.
“They make mistakes, and we make mistakes, so of course, mag-iingat lang sila lagi rin kasi lahat naman magagaling.”
Cignal has added multiple players to bolster its roster in the league organized by Sports Vision. Its top signing is Bryan Bagunas, known to have been the on-court rival of Espejo since their collegiate days in the UAAP, up until their many unforgettable face-offs in the country’s men’s premier league.
The HD Spikers have also welcomed new faces Ronniel Rosales, Giles Torres, Madz Gampong, Nas Gwaza, Cian Silang, and Vince Lorenzo to aid them as the action begins on Wednesday, March 13.
Venues have been expanded to the Philsports Arena in Pasig, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Still, new PGJC-Navy head tactician George Pascua remains unfazed, stating how this sport is just a battle for who wants it more.
“Lahat naman humaharap sa challenges. It’s a matter of desire na lang siguro ng team kung sino ‘yung mananalo at sino ‘yung gustong matalo,” said Pascua.
