In a thrilling showdown at the Philsports Arena, the Cignal HD Spikers secured the bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 2023 Premiere Volleyball League Invitational Conference. But for these dedicated athletes, the third-place finish was not a destination; it was a stepping stone towards even greater success in the upcoming conferences.
Sunday's match was nothing short of electrifying as the HD Spikers battled it out against F2 Logistics, ultimately emerging victorious after four intense sets with scores of 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, and 25-18. The deafening cheers from the packed arena only fueled their determination to succeed.
Rewind to the 2022 season, where Cignal displayed remarkable consistency by securing a silver and two bronze medals in all three conferences. However, their spirits were dampened during the All-Filipino campaign earlier this year, where they finished sixth among nine teams with a 3-6 win-loss record. For head coach Shaq Delos Santos and his squad, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
"We knew we needed to improve after the first conference loss. Winning the bronze now feels like a redemption for us," Coach Delos Santos shared, reflecting on the team's journey.
But this season's challenges were unlike any they had faced before. With a record 13 teams, including two foreign guest teams and three new local squads, the competition was fiercer than ever. To add to the intensity, Philippine Army opted for a leave of absence. The conference adopted a compact format, dividing the 11 local teams into two groups for the preliminary round, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals to meet the international teams, Kurashiki of Japan and Kinh Bac of Vietnam.
In Group B, the HD Spikers showcased their determination and strength, emerging as the group leaders with an impressive 4-1 record. "Securing the bronze medal amidst such tough competition is a significant achievement, as we had to give our all in each game," Coach Delos Santos acknowledged.
For Cignal, this victory was just the beginning. While they celebrated their return to the Top 3, the team recognizes that there's much room for improvement and growth. "We cannot be complacent just because we beat F2 Logistics. We have a lot to work on and improve," Coach Delos Santos emphasized, looking ahead to future conferences.
The team's resurgence was also aided by key additions. The return of opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga injected renewed energy and leadership into the squad. Rising star rookie Vanie Gandler proved to be a valuable asset, showcasing her raw talent and potential. Additionally, libero Gelai Nunag's exceptional defensive skills fortified the team's backline.
As the HD Spikers bask in the glory of their bronze medal, they remain committed to their ultimate goal – the championship.
