Cignal HD Spikers, reinforced by Alas Pilipinas standouts, put up a spirited fight in their 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League opener, but powerhouse Osaka Blueton proved too sharp, taking the match in straight sets.
Cignal showed flashes of potential and resilience in their 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League debut on Sunday, standing tall against a seasoned Osaka Bluteon on the latter’s home court.
Reinforced by familiar faces from Alas Pilipinas, the HD Spikers displayed grit and teamwork, especially in the latter sets, though they ultimately dropped the match in straight sets, 11-25, 21-25, 21-25.
Marck Espejo led the scoring effort with nine points, while Jau Umandal and Kim Malabunga added eight each in a balanced team showing that hinted at better form to come.
Cignal now looks ahead to a major challenge in Shanghai Bright, champions of China’s top league—an opportunity for the team to continue gaining experience and chemistry on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, Japanese Olympian Yuji Nishida paced Osaka with 13 points, with support from Shoma Tomita and Miguel Angel Lopez, who finished with 12 points each.