Wendel Miguel urged the Cignal HD Spikers to move past relying on losses as "wake-up calls" after their first defeat in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The Cignal HD Spikers were on the receiving end of a stunning upset as the Criss Cross King Crunchers handed them their first loss in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The defending champions were outplayed in straight sets, 23-25, 21-25, 17-25, on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, marking only their third loss in eight meetings against the King Crunchers.
More importantly, it was a wake-up call that team captain Wendel Miguel insists they should no longer need at this stage of the tournament.
While acknowledging the lessons from the defeat, Miguel was firm in his message that the team cannot always depend on setbacks to spark improvement.
"Nag-prepare tayo, nag-prepare sila. Hindi puwedeng laging sinasabi sa atin na dahil marami tayong players, eh laging wake-up call na lang pag natatalo tayo," Miguel said after the match. "Dapat alam natin sa sarili natin na una pa lang, pagpasok ng court, kailangan manalo kami, kailangan positive mindset ko, kailangan mas eager ako sa kalaban."
Miguel also noted that Criss Cross simply showed more hunger throughout the match, especially in the crucial moments.
"’Yung team nila mas eager manalo eh. Nakikita ko kasi kanina, parang 'yung kompiyansa ng team namin medyo bumaba. Pero nakikita ko naman 'yung ibang players nagrerespond agad na kailangan makabawi, pero fell short," he added.
Despite the defeat, Miguel remains optimistic about Cignal’s campaign, knowing they still have a strong shot at the title.
"Positive pa rin naman kasi totoo naman, hindi pa tapos 'yung liga. Marami pang chance para bumawi," he said.
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The loss dropped the HD Spikers to a 4-1 record, while Criss Cross seized the solo lead at 5-0.
With the tournament heading into the second round, Cignal will look to quickly regroup and regain their winning form if they hope to reclaim their dominance in Spikers’ Turf.
Up next for the HD Spikers will be the VNS-Laticrete Griffins at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, March 9.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)