On the eve of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Cignal delivered surprising news as its men’s volleyball team filed a leave of absence from the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, set to begin in the first quarter of the year.
The Cignal Super Spikers Men’s Volleyball Team is the most decorated club in Spikers’ Turf history, with nine titles, making the announcement a significant moment for the organization. In a statement released on social media, management said the decision came after a careful review to align the company’s current and future plans.
“The Cignal Super Spikers Men’s Volleyball Team has formally filed a Leave of Absence for the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. This difficult decision was made after a careful review by management of Cignal’s current and future plans. The Cignal Super Spikers organization is deeply grateful to its coaches, players, and staff,” the statement read.
Cignal’s Distaff Side Motivated for Podium Return
Rather than deflating the women’s team, the news became a source of motivation. The following day, the Cignal Super Spikers responded with a dominant 25-17, 25-14, 25-11 sweep of the Galeries Tower Highrisers in their conference opener.
“Nung nakita ko rin ‘yung news, na-sad lang din ako kasi hindi namin in-expect. Pero hindi puwedeng mag-dwell sa ganon,” Erika Santos said after the match.
Although competing in different leagues, the men’s and women’s teams have long shared a close bond, regularly supporting each other from the stands and drawing inspiration from one another’s success.
“So, kami, may purpose kasi lahat ng nangyayari, so tine-take namin siya as motivation. ’Yun, na-inspire na lang kami sa kung ano man ’yung meron kami. Hindi namin tine-take advantage, and mag-work harder pa kami,” Santos added.
Trust Must Translate to Performance
Tin Tiamzon echoed the sentiment, vowing to honor the trust the organization continues to place in the women’s squad as it targets a return to the podium. The last time the team medaled was a silver finish in the 2024 PVL Invitational.
“You know, we’re given this opportunity to stay sa Cignal, and to give back din sa investment. And also, siyempre, ’yung sa men’s team, hindi namin sasayangin ’yung opportunity na ’yun,” Tiamzon said.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos reinforced the message, stressing that the best response is performance.
“Siyempre, sobrang nakakalungkot, and nagulat din kami sa news na ’yun. But for us, kailangan naming isipin kung ano ’yung mas kailangan naming gawin ngayon, ano ’yung mas importante, and ano ’yung puwedeng naming gawin para sa Cignal,” he said.
The Cignal Super Spikers next face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday, February 5, at 4:00 p.m.
