In Philippine volleyball, few setters have garnered as much praise as Owa Retamar. Following Cignal HD Spikers’ emphatic debut in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, head coach Dexter Clamor didn’t hold back in lauding his star playmaker.
Clamor, who has led Cignal to multiple Spikers' Turf titles, described Retamar as not just one of the best, but arguably the best setter in the country right now. And in their first match against Chichi DHTSI, Retamar showed exactly why his coach holds him in such high regard.
"As I said, one of the best setters, if not the best setter in the Philippines," Clamor said after Cignal’s dominant straight-set victory at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex. The HD Spikers rolled through the Titans 25-16, 25-16, 25-14, thanks in large part to Retamar’s masterful playmaking.
Despite only playing in the first two sets, Retamar tallied 10 excellent sets, showcasing his ability to command the offense while also providing solid net defense. His impact went beyond the numbers, setting the tone for Cignal's attack and making it look effortless.
For Clamor, Retamar’s brilliance stems not just from his technical skills, but also his eagerness to absorb the team’s system and continuously improve.
“What’s good about him is nakikinig, he’s trying to adapt whatever systems we have, lalo na setter siya. Dun kasi nagsa-start ‘yung system when it comes sa offense namin, sa setter talaga,” Clamor explained.
The coach added, “He’s trying, but at the same time hindi niya nakakalimutan ‘yung kung ano ‘yung pwede niyang i-contribute pa sa team, ‘yung pwede pang makadagdag para mas lumakas ‘yung team. I’m happy. Magaling siya, nakikinig, and ‘yun nga tina-try niya i-adapt kung ano meron kami.”
Retamar’s hunger to learn and grow is what sets him apart. He admitted that adjusting to Cignal’s style of play is still a work in progress, but his commitment to helping the team reach new heights remains unwavering.
"Ngayon syempre naga-adjust pa rin ako sa team play, sa game play ng team, sa sistema nila coach," said the two-time UAAP Finals MVP. "Ang focus ko ngayon is makatulong sa Cignal and kumbaga, ‘yung team mabuo para at least gumanda ‘yung performance ng lahat hanggang sa mataas na part ng liga.”
With Retamar orchestrating the offense, Cignal looks poised for another deep run in the Spikers' Turf.
