Cignal's women's team leaned on purpose after the men’s squad filed a leave of absence from the Spikers' Turf, vowing to honor the organization’s investment moving forward.
The women’s side of Cignal Super Spikers admitted the shock and sadness of seeing the men’s team step away from the Spikers’ Turf.
Cignal announced on Friday, January 30, that its men’s team will be taking a leave of absence ahead of the new Spikers’ Turf season.
Fresh off their win against Galeries Tower in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, head coach Shaq Delos Santos admitted the news was difficult to process, yet stressed that the focus must now shift to what the remaining group can do for the organization.
“Sobrang nakakalungkot and nagulat din kami sa news na ’yun,” Delos Santos said during the post-game press conference.
“Pero para sa amin, kailangan naming isipin kung ano ’yung mas kailangan naming gawin ngayon at ano ’yung pwede naming magawa para sa Cignal. Family kami dito.”
Star opposite hitter Erika Santos echoed the sentiment, saying the team chose not to dwell on the disappointment and instead turn it into motivation.
“Na-sad din ako kasi hindi namin ine-expect,” Santos said. “Pero hindi pwedeng mag-dwell. Lahat ng nangyayari may purpose, so tatake namin siya as motivation.”
For Santos, the situation only strengthened the group’s resolve.
“Hindi namin ita-take advantage ’yung pagkakataon na meron kami. Magwo-work harder pa kami,” she added.
In its statement, Cignal cited internal planning and strategic reassessment as key reasons behind the move.
“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 Super Spikers were a nine-time Spikers’ Turf champion and have reached the podium in every conference since 2015.
Meanwhile, Tin Tiamzon, who took home Player of the Game honors, highlighted the responsibility that now comes with staying on and representing the Cignal name.
“We’re given this opportunity to stay sa Cignal and to give back sa investment,” Tiamzon said.
“’Yung nangyari sa men’s team, hindi namin sasayangin ’yung opportunity namin.”
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.