For a team so used to winning, the Cignal HD Spikers’ recent trip to Japan was more than just a training camp – it was a wake-up call and an opportunity for growth.
The experience of facing high-caliber teams in Japan’s SV.League and V.League, as well as powerhouse university squads, exposed them to intense competition rarely encountered in local play.
Head coach Dexter Clamor believes this international stint will be invaluable as they head into the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, which kicks off on Friday (Feb. 21) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“This was the best training camp for us,” said Clamor in Filipino. “We had tune-up matches with two Division 1 teams, a Division 2 squad, and the best universities in Nagoya. The experience of facing such strong opponents gave us plenty of lessons to bring back to Spikers’ Turf.”
Despite suffering tough losses, Cignal embraced the challenge, recognizing that overcoming adversity is key to sustained excellence.
“Back here, we’re used to winning, usually in straight sets. But in Japan, we experienced getting beaten, getting overwhelmed. It was a good experience because we learned a lot, and we’ll bring those lessons with us into Spikers’ Turf,” said Clamor.
Cignal remains a powerhouse built for sustained success, boasting a roster rich in experience, chemistry and firepower. Unlike other teams that made significant roster changes, the HD Spikers have retained their core from last season – a testament to their trust in their system and players.
Leading the charge are team captain Wendel Miguel and game captain JP Bugaoan, whose leadership and experience will be crucial in steering the team through another grueling season.
They are backed by an explosive lineup of heavy hitters, including Jau Umandal, Louie Ramirez, JM Ronquillo and Steven Rotter, among others. Complementing the team’s firepower is a highly skilled troika of playmakers in Owa Retamar, EJ Casaña and Cian Silang.
These elite setters provide the HD Spikers with unmatched versatility and precision in orchestrating the team’s offensive plays. With this level of depth in the setters’ department, Cignal has the ability to dictate the tempo and adapt to any opponent's game plan.
As the winningest team in Spikers’ Turf history, Cignal enters every conference with a target on its back. But instead of crumbling under pressure, the HD Spikers use it as fuel to push harder.
“Every time a season ends, our motivation resets to zero,” said Miguel in Filipino. “We know that after each championship we win, all the teams are watching us, waiting for their chance to beat us. That’s why we work even harder in training.”
With a team built on continuity, discipline and a championship mindset, Cignal is primed to extend its dominance. Their recent experience in Japan has only made them stronger, ensuring that they enter the 2025 Spikers’ Turf season battle-ready.
The HD Spikers are not just looking to defend their titles – they’re out to prove that their reign is far from over.
