Heading into the new All-Filipino Conference, which will, for the first time, span six months, the Cignal HD Spikers may find manpower shortages to be a significant hurdle.
After securing a silver medal in the last Invitational Conference, the HD Spikers have seen several key players leave, including longtime libero Jheck Dionela, Chai Troncoso, Chinchin Basas, and Gen Casugod, leaving the team with only 11 players.
“[Rotation] will be a bit challenging, but the good thing is that we still have time to prepare and become ready,” coach Shaq delos Santos explained in Filipino. “The players are flexible, including Ces [Molina] who can play both opposite and outside. So that will be the case as well for the other players.”
After 11 years, Dionela has joined Farm Fresh, where she’ll reunite with former HD Spiker Rachel Anne Daquis. Troncoso has transferred to ZUS Coffee, teaming up with No. 1 pick Thea Gagate and another former Cignal teammate, Jov Gonzaga.
“Of course, it won’t be easy for us, but we’re so happy that they have a new team to play for,” Delos Santos shared. “We really appreciate all that we went through together, those ups and downs.”
Still Chasing Gold
Cignal still retains a strong core group but has yet to secure a championship title, despite consistent podium finishes. Alongside team captain Molina, returning members Roselyn Doria, Vanie Gandler of Alas Pilipinas, Riri Meneses, and skillful setter Gel Cayuna remain on the roster.
However, this core group can’t shoulder all responsibilities on their own.
Dawn Macandili-Catindig, a decorated libero, will also return from national team duties, as did Gandler, to support Cignal in their bid to challenge Invitational Conference champions Creamline.
“As of now, there are very few people on the team, but even if our lineup is like that, the core is still there,” Molina stated. “So [it’s like] nothing changed.
“I think the balance of the team will be challenging for us,” she continued. “We’ll leave it to coach when it comes to the rotation and whatever responsibility and roles are given to us, we need to perform it.”
Cignal may also consider exploring the free agent market, as the six-month tournament will coincide with contract expirations for players on other teams.
Delos Santos has also expressed interest in giving rookie signee Ishie Lalongisip more playing time.
“I told our rookie that I want to help them rise. You don’t need a name; what you need to do is uphold what you have so that you can use it in-game,” he said.
Reflecting on her former teammates, Molina added, “I know that [my former teammates] found new homes and I know that they will be looking for personal growth. I know that they can contribute more wherever they are right now [so] I am excited to face them.”
