Cignal pays homage to men’s counterpart

Cignal is dedicating its run in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference to its men’s counterpart following a shocking leave of absence in the Spikers’ Turf.

A day before the start of the season-ending tournament, the Super Spikers received stunning news of their “brother” team’s exit in the competition.

“Of course, we’re deeply saddened by the news. But, for us, we now have to think of what’s important now, which is to do what we can do for Cignal,” Super Spikers head coach Shaq delos Santos said.

Inspired to continue the winning legacy of the Cignal brand, the Super Spikers made a strong performance to crush Galeries Tower, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, last Saturday in a rousing start at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

“We’re a family and we’re the only ones left. So, the best way to repay Cignal’s investment is through good results,” Delos Santos added.

The decision to take an LOA in the premier men’s commercial volleyball league was announced by the management on Friday.

It signaled the end of an era for the decorated club that has won nine titles and helped build the successful careers of top stars, including Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas.

The Cignal men’s team was one of the league pioneers when it was established in 2015. It completed a season title sweep in 2017, 2019 and 2024, and was the Open Conference champion last year.

“We were really sad when we learned the news. Nobody saw that coming,” Super Spikers winger Erika Santos said.

“But we can’t dwell on that. So, we know everything that has transpired has a purpose. We want to use this as motivation. All of us are inspired to work harder.”

Tin Tiamzon, who finished with 18 points, felt that the disbanding of the Cignal men’s club lit a fire beneath the Super Spikers to aim for a first-ever league title.

“You know, we’re given this opportunity to stay with Cignal, and to give back to the management’s investment,” she said.

“And after what happened to the men’s team, we won’t waste the opportunity given to us.