Despite recent struggles, Cignal setter Owa Retamar remains optimistic that the HD Spikers can reclaim their championship form as they gear up for the semifinals of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The defending champions recently stumbled to their second loss of the tournament, falling once again to rivals Criss Cross last Friday. The setback marked Cignal's first time since 2018 to endure two losses in the Spikers’ Turf elimination round.
Adding to their woes, the HD Spikers nearly squandered a 2-1 lead against Savouge earlier in the week before finally escaping with a five-set victory. The shaky stretch has raised concerns about Cignal's form, but Retamar believes the key to turning things around lies in focus and discipline.
"Sa’min sa team namin, napagusapan namin na sobrang relaxed kami. Parang kapag umatake kami, ang mindset namin patay na agad so hindi kami nakaka-recover in case na ma-block so ‘yun ‘yung nagiging problema namin," said the three-time league Best Setter, acknowledging the team's tendency to grow complacent.
"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 added, reflecting on their subpar performances.
Cignal managed to end the week on a positive note, dispatching the already-eliminated PGJC-Navy in straight sets, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, last Sunday. Retamar, who orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets in that match, sees the win as a much-needed confidence boost but insists the team still has plenty of work to do.
"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 standout.
Retamar stressed that the HD Spikers must take advantage of the remaining matches to sharpen their game and restore their dominant form before the knockout rounds.
"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," he concluded.
With Retamar's steady leadership and a renewed sense of urgency, Cignal aims to return to their championship-caliber play in pursuit of a third consecutive Spikers’ Turf crown.
