CIGNAL marked the Spikers’ Turf’s return from a long hiatus with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-22 sweep of Sta. Rosa in yesterday’s inaugurals at the Paco Arena.

“For the longest time, for almost three years na walang liga, sobrang challenging para sa mga coaches para sa players kasi sobrang uncertain kung may men’s volleyball, lahat naka-focus sa women’s,” said an elated HD Spikers coach Dexter Clamor.

“Sobrang happy kami na finally, after almost three years, meron nang men’s volleyball. Of course, nagpapasalamat kami sa organizers na pinagtiyagaan na magkaroon ulit ng men’s volleyball,” he added.

True enough, despite the struggles having away in the game for so long, Cignal, which swept the Reinforced and Open Conference titles in 2019, played just enough to secure its first win.

JP Bugaoan took the scoring mantle for the HD Spikers with eight points, including three blocks, while Marck Espejo had two service aces for a seven-point outing.

John Benedict San Andres had two service aces for a 20-point outing while setter Ish Polvorosa, playing against his alma mater, tossed in 29 excellent sets as VNS pulled off a 25-21, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9 squeaker over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr-to join Cignal for the early lead.

In his first domestic match since powering the Philippines to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Espejo is so glad to play in front of local fans.

“In the last three years, active ako sa volleyball, pero sa abroad nga lang. Pero masaya ako na naglaro ako dito sa Cignal at mag-represent ng Cignal,” said Espejo.

“Hindi lang ako masaya para sa team ko kasi pa rin sa lahat ng players na magpa-participate dito sa Spikers’ Turf. Lahat puro gigil. Lahat gustong maglaro dahil sa matagal na walang liga,” he added.

A team which has an average age of 18 years old, the Lions gave the HD Spikers everything to handle before losing.

Sta. Rosa is using the Spikers’ Turf as part of its preparations for the ASEAN School Games in November, where the Laguna-based city will represent the country.

“Ang main goal po namin ay para manalo and at the same time, maka-earn ng mas magandang knowledge ang mga bata. Napakagandang experience,” said Lions coach Edward Jan Lirio.

Jade Disquitado, a cousin of former University of the East women’s volleyball player Dana, was impressive in his debut for Sta. Rosa with 14 points while Chris Hernandez hammered 10 kills.

Earning praises from Espejo on his solid play, Disquitado is looking forward for more learnings in the Spikers’ Turf.

“Masayang experience kasi sa ganitong edad ko, nakakalaban ko sila at nakakadikit pa rin kami kahit mga bata kami,” said Disquitado.