The Cignal HD Spikers are done with silver and bronze medal finishes as they eye their first-ever PVL title in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
2024 Reinforced Conference record: 7-1 (Bronze medalist)
2024 Invitational Conference record: 3-1 (Silver medalist)
Key departures: Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Jheck Dionela
Key players: Vanie Gandler, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña
Coach: Shaq Delos Santos
One word to describe Cignal’s upcoming campaign
Familiarity.
The Cignal HD Spikers will be banking on their success from last season heading into the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
No key additions for the Shaq Delos Santos-led HD Spikers during the offseason, but the team is still expected to be among the top squads this season.
Cignal came close twice to what would have been its first-ever PVL title, falling short on both occasions against the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Though the team hasn’t fully recovered just yet from the heartbreaks, Delos Santos said that the team has enough motivation to power through the new season.
“Mas inspired kami ngayon na mag-work hard dun sa na-experience namin,” Delos Santos told One Sports.
“Alam mo ‘yung feeling namin na mas tumaas ang morale, ang confidence na parang mas gusto pa namin mag-trabaho ng mabuti kasi alam namin na may pupuntahan at magkakaroon ng magandang result kung mas pagbubutihan namin this conference,” he added.
This was backed by veteran spiker Ces Molina, who remains steadfast in her goal for the HD Spikers since joining the team in 2022.
“I’m very motivated ngayon na makabalik sa finals kasi ang goal talaga namin is to win a championship dito sa Cignal,” said Molina. “It’s been three years now nung nandito ako sa Cignal, so wala akong ibang goal kundi makapasok talaga lagi sa Final Four then championship.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Ces Molina, Shaq Delos Santos promise to keep grinding as Cignal continues quest for first franchise title]
It would be interesting to see though how would they fare against former stalwarts Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela (now with the Farm Fresh Foxies), and against Jovelyn Gonzaga who has now suited up for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Biggest X-Factor for Cignal this season
Vanie Gandler.
Just how big of a jump can the 23-year-old outside hitter make after her time with Alas Pilipinas?
Gandler has shown what her full potential could be with the HD Spikers, but it will be her consistency that will be key for the team as they look to finally bring home their first PVL title.
With an offseason to further improve her skills, expect Gandler to be among the top stars in the PVL in the All-Filipino Conference.
Best-case scenario
Cignal continues to be one of the top teams during the double-elimination round, advancing quickly to the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Their mettle will be tested once more in the semis but with added fuel and motivation, the HD Spikers find a way to make it back to the finals.
Worst-case scenario
A short roster rotation could be an issue for the HD Spikers, especially if injuries come back to bite them.
Missing out on the semifinals will definitely be a disappointing start to the new PVL season for Cignal.
Bold prediction
Cignal will find a way to make it back to the semifinals and possibly find some gems along the way to help the team succeed in the upcoming All-Filipino Conference.