With an aggressive and calculated offseason buildup, Cignal is poised to make a serious run for the PVL On Tour crown as the HD Spikers look to bounce back from a frustrating campaign in the last All-Filipino Conference.
Despite finishing third in the preliminary round, the HD Spikers’ season unraveled following the mid-tournament exit of two key players, resulting in a shocking quarterfinal loss to the resurgent Galeries Tower Highrisers, a setback that prompted a full recalibration from the Cignal camp.
Now, with a revamped and deepened lineup, a renewed sense of purpose, and a tactical blueprint laid down by veteran coach Shaq delos Santos, the HD Spikers are emerging as a formidable contender in the pre-season tournament.
That promise will be put to the test as early as this weekend when they showcase their retooled roster in the PVL On Tour, which kicks off on Sunday, June 22 at the state-of-the-art Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Cignal’s offseason moves were deliberate and ambitious, with the franchise pulling out all the stops to build a balanced, battle-ready lineup. Anchoring the core are Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip, both of whom committed to long-term contracts that underscore the team’s vision for sustained success.
The team then turned heads by securing rising opposite spiker Erika Santos, a dynamic scoring threat expected to inject firepower and versatility into the team’s frontline. The HD Spikers further strengthened their rotation with the acquisition of Tine Tiamzon, Ethan Arce and Heather Guino-o, each bringing experience and grit to the Cignal bench.
Delos Santos emphasized that this time around, they are building with intention – and excitement.
“Mas excited kami magturo this time kasi 'yung mga ina-eye namin na players, nakuha namin,” said Delos Santos. “We’re confident in their potential and how they fit into the system we’re building.”
Cignal also turned to the PVL Draft to ensure long-term development and sustainability. The HD Spikers selected Erin Pangilinan, a highly-regarded middle blocker from National University, as their first-round pick. In the second round, they secured Jessa Ordiales, a standout from De La Salle, known for her quick attacks and net defense.
Though both are naturals at the middle blocker position, Delos Santos sees them as versatile assets capable of adapting to multiple roles.
“Sobrang happy kami kasi sila talaga 'yung target namin. Some may think there’s redundancy in position, but they’re capable of switching roles. We’re hopeful we can maximize their potential,” he said.
The team also added libero Pearl Denura, an undrafted but impressive prospect who earned her spot through exceptional showings in tryouts and team scrimmages.
Beyond individual talent, the emphasis has been on system integration, player development and team chemistry – hallmarks of championship-caliber squads.
“Rest assured, we’re going to help all our new players grow in every aspect – on and off the court,” said Delos Santos. “With the depth and versatility we’ve built, we now have the pieces to compete with the best.”
Cignal will launch its PVL On Tour campaign with high-stakes matches against Akari Chargers on Sunday and the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Monday, both set at 4 p.m. These clashes are more than just warm-up games – they are litmus tests for a team that now dares to dream bigger.
For the HD Spikers, they are not just here to play – they are here to contend.
