Owa Retamar refuses to let doubt creep in.
Despite Cignal’s uncharacteristic struggles in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, the HD Spikers’ trusted playmaker remains steadfast in his belief that the defending champions can rediscover their winning ways.
Retamar, a three-time league Best Setter, acknowledged that complacency has been their Achilles’ heel. Still, he feels determined to steer his squad back on track as they chase a third consecutive title.
“Napagusapan namin na sobrang relaxed kami,” Retamar admitted.
“Parang kapag umatake kami, ang mindset namin patay na agad so hindi kami nakaka-recover in case na ma-block. ‘Yun ‘yung nagiging problema namin.”
The defending champions recently suffered their second loss of the tournament, falling to rival Criss Cross once again last Friday. This marked the first time since 2018 that Cignal has lost two games in the Spikers’ Turf elimination round.
Not only that, but the HD Spikers nearly squandered a 2-1 lead against Savouge last Tuesday before finally breaking out of their slump to secure a five-set victory.
(C) Spikers Turf
Retamar stressed the importance of staying focused and locked in to reclaim their championship form as they approach the semifinals.
“Kailangan naming makabawi kasi sobrang pangit ng pinapakita naming performance nung last game namin. Kahit nung mga nakaraang game, alam naming hindi kami ganun maglaro,” he continued.
Cignal, however, managed to end the week on a high note with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 victory over the already-eliminated PGJC-Navy on Sunday.
Still, Retamar believes there is still plenty of work to be done for the HD Spikers.
“Sabi nga namin sa meeting namin kagabi sa training, kailangan naming ibalik ‘yung sarili namin and magtulungan ulit, sakripisyo, para kung ano ‘yung nakuha namin last year, makuha namin ulit,” said the former National University star, who had 17 excellent sets in the win.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, napakatagal pa ng tournament na ‘to. Marami pa kaming lalaruan, so may chance pa kaming makabawi. Nag-start ngayon sa game namin sa (Navy), at least kahit papaano umaangat-angat na ‘yung performance ng team namin.”
