By: Czarina Agaton
Cignal faced daunting odds heading into the championship game of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Standing in the HD Spikers way were the Criss Cross King Crunchers, a team riding an impressive 10-game winning streak into the gold medal match.
Among those victories was a four-set semifinal triumph over the HD Spikers, 25-20, 22-25, 25-12, 26-24, which followed a grueling five-set elimination round clash where Cignal narrowly edged the King Crunchers, 25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11.
Adding to the challenge, Cignal’s 2024 Open Conference Finals MVP Bryan Bagunas sustained an injury while playing for Alas Pilipinas, leaving a void in the lineup. Meanwhile, Criss Cross, though missing Marck Espejo after his signing with Kubota Spears in Japan, found a reliable offensive weapon in Jude Garcia, who claimed his second consecutive MVP of the Conference honor.
But against all odds, Cignal demonstrated why it remains the winningest squad in Spikers’ Turf history. It wasn’t about individual brilliance or isolated moments of triumph. Instead, it was the collective effort and unyielding camaraderie that propelled them to their eighth championship.
On Sunday night, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Philsports Arena, the HD Spikers swept the King Crunchers in dominating fashion, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, to secure the crown.
For head coach Dexter Clamor, the victory epitomized the team’s unselfishness and commitment to their system.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“It’s really the collective effort ng lahat—from players to coaches and management. Pinaghirapan ng lahat talaga, hindi isang tao, dalawa. It’s really the whole team na nag-sacrifice, nag-aral, binigay yung more than 100 percent. So, nagpapasalamat ako sa kooperasyon ng lahat kaya kami nanalo,” said Clamor, who has now guided the HD Spikers to five of their eight titles.
“Napaka-stressful nga kasi maraming bago na naman. So, it’s really teaching the new ones again on how to adapt our system—not only sa volleyball, pati yung kultura ng Cignal. Pina-adapt ko sa kanila at i-embrace nila. At nagtiwala sila sa akin para i-guide sila lahat,” he added.
Despite missing key players, Cignal reinforced its roster with standout recruits, including NCAA MVP Louie Ramirez, UAAP Best Setter Owa Retamar, JM Ronquillo, and Martin Bugaoan. Ramirez delivered an explosive 24-point performance in the championship game, while Retamar orchestrated the offense with precision.
Clamor also credited his team captains, JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel, for fostering unity within a squad that featured many new faces.
“Hindi lang ako talaga, pati yung mga coaches, yung team captains ko, si JP at si Wendel. Sobrang laking bagay nila na talagang pinagtulungan namin as a whole kung paano mahukuha ulit yung championship kahit nga may nadadagdag na mga players,” Clamor shared.
While the victory was a moment to savor, Cignal remains grounded. For the HD Spikers, sustaining their winning tradition is an ongoing mission.
As they forge ahead, one thing is certain: this team isn’t done making history.
