Every time Mark Calado’s number was called on Sunday evening, he made sure to go all out, especially with his alma mater on the other side of the net.
Calado’s Cignal battled it out with Far Eastern University-DN Steel, emerging victorious despite the immense heart shown by the collegiate team, 25-27, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20, to qualify for the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Calado, who was once the face of the Tamaraws in the UAAP, played only in the final three sets off the bench but still delivered 10 points and three digs in the limited action he got.
“Sobrang saya kasi kapag pumasok ako sa court, parang magkakateammate ulit kami. In-enjoy ko lang ‘yung game kapag ipapasok ako, kapag may chance ako binibigay ko ‘yung best ko,” said the 24-year-old outside hitter.
He joined the HD Spikers last year just in time for the 2023 Invitationals, where the Tamaraws also joined the record 24-team field.
However, the squads were divided into four pools of six teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout quarterfinals.
Cignal and Calado did not cross paths with FEU back then, making this match his first-ever official game against the Tamaraws in the country’s men’s premier league, organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
“Oo, syempre, may added motivation kasi nasa top four sila at parehas kaming isang talo lang, so motivation ‘yun for me,” shared Calado.
With both teams already qualified for the round-robin semifinals, where a guest team will raise the stakes higher, Calado cannot wait to slug it out again with his former team.
Also in the semis is Criss Cross, while Savouge, La Salle-EcoOil, and PGJC-Navy fight for the last slot.
“Excited na excited ulit, syempre, kasi FEU ‘yan. I hope both of us, Cignal and FEU, ay matutunan sa bawat game na mangyayari sa amin.”
