Louie Ramirez made a triumphant return for Cignal after missing the team’s first two games in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference due to a shoulder injury.
The power-hitter debuted in style, leading the HD Spikers to back-to-back wins after an initial setback, bringing their record to 3-1. Ramirez’s impact was immediately felt, scoring seven points in just one set during Cignal’s commanding 25-10, 25-15, 25-12 victory over Martelli Meats on October 30.
In his second game, Ramirez delivered a stellar 19-point performance in a thrilling 25-21, 25-21, 18-25, 25-27, 15-11 win over last season’s Open Conference finalist, making his presence felt as Cignal avenged their previous loss.
His impressive outings earned him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award, presented by Pilipinas Live, for October 30 to November 3.
“Pinaka-mindset ko talaga is maglalaro ako ng all out that day against Criss Cross kasi nilagay ako sa first six kahit na ilang game akong hindi nakakalaro tiyaka gusto ko ding ibalik yung confidence ko ulit sa loob ng court,” shared the 6-foot-3 open spiker from Dasol, Pangasinan.
A product of University of Perpetual Help, Ramirez outshone contenders like teammate JM Ronquillo, PGJC Navy’s Joeven Dela Vega, FEU-DN Steel’s Dryx Saavedra, and La Salle EcoOil’s Joshua Magalaman for the weekly recognition awarded by media covering men’s premier volleyball.
Fans can stream matches via the Pilipinas Live app and at www.spikersturf.ph.
Ramirez expressed enthusiasm for his second stint with Cignal, now armed with more experience after playing for the men’s national team under Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“Sobrang dami kung natutunan sa Alas lalo na yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko tiyaka parang nafif-eel ko na naging matured ako maglaro dahil Kay Coach A (Frigoni),” he noted.
Despite being familiar with head coach Dexter Clamor’s system from his time with the 2022 Cignal squad, Ramirez admitted he’s still adjusting to his new teammates.
“Sa una medyo nahirapan ako mag adjust kasi nga merong kanya-kanyang system na pinanggalingan pero ngayon unti-unti na namin nakukuha kung ano yung gusto ng bawat isa at kung anong ugali ng bawat isa,” he added.
