After missing most of the previous conference due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, Steven Rotter is back at full strength and determined to make up for lost time with defending champion Cignal.
“I’m super eager. I’m trying to be the Player of the Game each time. I will be on a mission to give my all, try to set some records or something, I don’t know. But I’m just happy to be back on the court,” said the 26-year-old Fil-American spiker.
Rotter wasted no time proving he was in peak form, leading Cignal to a dominant 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 opening-day victory over debuting team Alpha Insurance on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The 6-foot-6 opposite hitter topped all scorers with 11 points, tallying five attacks, four aces, and two blocks. His strong performance was crucial, especially in the absence of Louie Ramirez, who remains sidelined with a nagging shoulder injury.
“It was a good start. A lot of teams are hungry to dethrone us, but I just want to give my all and play at one hundred percent each time. I’m happy we got the win, and I’m glad my performance helped us get there,” Rotter added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Rotter spent most of the previous Invitational Conference watching from the sidelines before seeing limited action in the latter stages, as Cignal ultimately clinched the championship.
Now, his primary focus is staying healthy and becoming a key contributor in the HD Spikers’ quest for their first-ever three-peat.
“I was out the entire conference until the playoffs. He didn’t fully trust me until the championship game, so I’m hoping — knock on wood — to stay injury-free, and I hope my teammates do too. Hopefully, we can all be healthy come playoff time,” he said.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor praised Rotter’s dedication to regaining his form, emphasizing that his increased playing time is a direct result of his hard work.
“Actually, nung pagdating niya sa Pilipinas last year, maganda ‘yung kondisyon niya. It’s just that na-injury lang siya, so ngayon he’s getting more minutes kasi pinagtatrabahuhan niya tuwing training,” said the five-time Spikers’ Turf champion coach.
“Yun naman ‘yun eh, basta magtrabaho ka during training, I’ll give you more time para maglaro sa loob ng court.”
With Rotter back in top shape, Cignal gains a powerful weapon in its pursuit of history, as the HD Spikers set their sights on cementing their dynasty in Spikers’ Turf.
