After a shocking four-set loss to UST-Gameville last Wednesday, Cignal lifer Wendel Miguel knew the Super Spikers needed more than just a comeback—they needed a reminder of who they were.
Having been with Cignal since graduating from University of the Philippines in 2018, Miguel called on his team to reflect and regain their pride. On Friday night, he led by example.
Coming off the bench at the call of head coach Dexter Clamor, Miguel delivered crucial hits, finishing with nine points on seven spikes, one block, and one ace, along with five digs and four receptions. More importantly, the veteran captain held his team together as they pulled off a thrilling 34-32, 25-22, 25-22 win over Savouge Spin Doctors, securing their ticket to the semifinals of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“Sa amin, must win talaga itong larong ito so nag-reflect lang din kami sa mga past games namin,” Miguel said.
“‘Yung pride parang nawawala sa team. ‘Yung intensity ng laro hindi bumabalik, hindi namin ma-solve. ‘Yung pride ay medyo nakakalimutan. Kung sino ‘yung team ng Cignal, kung anong meron sa Cignal, sino bang mga players ng Cignal, for us medyo sobrang wakeup call naman na yun na umabot kami sa ganitong mahirap na laro,” he continued.
With the win over Savouge, Miguel hopes that Cignal will only get stronger, especially with international squads Kindai University of Japan and ProVolley Academy of Australia joining the semifinals.
Adding to the challenge is the absence of Alas Pilipinas members Louie Ramirez, Lloyd Josafat, Joshua Retamar, and Vince Lorenzo, who are now training with the national team in Taiwan.
“I hope medyo na-enlighten lahat na ito ‘yung team namin. Ito ‘yung meron sa team namin, ‘yung mga players na nandito so feeling ko naman and sana naman na medyo nagbago na ‘yung vibe ng team namin,” Miguel said.
“Medyo mabigat na challenge pero magagawan naman ng paraan ‘yan lalo sa practice so sana lahat, buong team namin, suportahan namin ‘yung maga-Alas and kahit na magti-training sila sa ibang bansa for the Philippines, gagampanan namin ‘yung slot na meron sila and ipapakita namin ‘yung kaya namin.”
Miguel will look to carry Cignal into the semifinals alongside teammates Jau Umandal and JP Bugaoan, as Criss Cross has already secured a semis spot, while Savouge, UST-Gameville, and Alpha Insurance battle for the remaining tickets.
