The Cignal HD Super Spikers during their game against VNS in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, October 27, 2025 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Cignal HD had to overcome a tough VNS squad in its first game of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Super Spikers were immediately tested as they opened their title defense before hacking out a 25-23, 25-15, 27-29, 25-14 triumph.
Head coach Dexter Clamor made no secret of his disappointment with how Cignal HD performed.
"Hindi ito 'yung ineensayo namin, hindi ito 'yung hinahanap namin. Kasi kami 'yung defending champion eh so dapat ang first game namin dapat ipakita namin sa lahat na gustong-gusto namin makuha 'yung conference na ito. Medyo slow start tapos nakakuha pa sa amin ng set 'yung VNS," he said.
But Clamor was full of praise for the youthful Griffins, highlighting their gutsy stand in the third set.
After VNS snatched Set 3 in extended fashion on back-to-back errors by Cian Silang and Louie Ramirez, 29-27, Cignal responded by dominating the fourth frame as Wendel Miguel, Martin Bugaoan, and JP Bugaoan re-asserted their might to clinch the win in two hours.
READ: Coaches see wide open race in Invitational Conference
"In fairness sa VNS talagang ibang team sila ngayon. Talagang tumaas 'yung level ng paglalaro nila so very commendable naman ang VNS sa laro na 'to so good job sa coaches and players na maganda 'yung naging performance nila against us," added Clamor.
Miguel finished with 17 points on 14 spikes and three aces to lead the Super Spikers in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo's Wings n' Things, and Arena Plus.
JM Ronquillo added 15 points on nine attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while Bugaoan delivered 13 points, including two blocks as Cignal joined Alpha Insurance in the early lead.
The two teams will face off on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Van Tracy Prudenciado made an impressive debut for the Super Spikers with 14-of-21 excellent receptions and 11-of-18 excellent digs.
RK Medino and Axel Book paced the Griffins with 11 points apiece as they brace for another tough outing against the Criss Cross King Crunchers on Friday at the Paco Arena..
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Games will also be streamed via spikersturf.ph.