Cignal is determined to cap off its 2024 campaign in style, as the HD Spikers aim to secure their first-ever Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference championship – a victory that would complete a rare golden double in a single season.
Despite a strong start last year, when they triumphed over the AMC Cotabato side in the Open Conference Finals, the HD Spikers fell short in the Invitational Conference, where the National U Bulldogs dashed their hopes of a third golden double. This season, Cignal is eyeing redemption.
The highly anticipated 10-team tournament, which will unfold over the next two months, kicks off this Wednesday (Oct. 16) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Coming off their thrilling victory over the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Open Conference, the HD Spikers are confident heading into the Invitational Conference. They’ve bolstered their lineup by recruiting standout collegiate players to compensate for the absence of star spiker Bryan Bagunas.
"This is a big challenge for us, but we will just take things one game at a time. Sure, malaking boost sa amin ‘yung championship namin sa Open Conference, pero we should enter this new conference with a fresh mindset,” said Clamor.
“We’ll rely on the lessons we’ve learned to grow as a team, lalo na’t palakas nang palakas ang mga teams sa Spikers’ Turf,” he added.
Cignal’s offseason acquisitions include National U’s Owa Retamar, Martin Bugaoan from FEU, De La Salle U’s JM Ronquillo, and the returning Louie Ramirez of Perpetual, who are expected to make an immediate impact alongside regulars Jau Umandal and JP Bugaoan in the Invitational Conference backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
“We all know what kind of player Owa [Retamar] is. For sure he will make a big impact for us at this conference, as well as Martin [Bugaoan], JM [Ronquillo], and Louie [Ramirez],” added Clamor.
Fans can catch all the action live on One Sports, One Sports+, and through the Pilipinas Live app, which will also feature video-on-demand content. Matches will also be streamed on the official Spikers’ Turf website.
