Cignal signs Fernandez; drops 3 veterans

Cignal tapped another young talent in winger Jovelyn Fernandez but parted ways with three veterans as the HD Spikers continue to make significant moves heading into next month's 2024 Premier Volleyball League season.

The HD Spikers introduced their newest member Wednesday, 3 January, hours after announcing the release of liberos Bia General and Angela Nunag and outside hitter Jerrili Malabanan.

Fernandez is the second former F2 Logistics player to sign with Cignal after decorated libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig inked a three-year deal last month just weeks after the disbandment of the Cargo Movers.

The Far Eastern University product will give head coach Shaq Delos Santos added depth in the opposite position to back veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga and Toni Rose Basas.

Fernandez, who was named Best Opposite Spiker in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 last year, saw limited minutes in F2 Logistics.

The HD Spikers have been investing in acquiring promising talents following a recruitment coup last year when they signed Ateneo de Manila University star Vanie Gandler, who adapted well to Delos Santos' system where she averaged 12.9 points per game in the 2^nd All-Filipino Conference.

Fernandez, who is expected to get a bump in her production under Delos Santos' watch, is the fifth ex-F2 Logistics player to make a successful transfer following Macandili-Catindig, Nxled recruit Ivy Lacsina and new Chery Tiggo members Aby Marano and Ara Galang.

Cignal seeks to move up the podium after one silver and four bronze medal finishes overall since joining the country's first and only women's professional league in 2021.