CIGNAL's men’s team sent shockwaves through Philippine volleyball over the last decade with its sustained dominance in Spikers’ Turf, and did so again on Friday with the announcement of its leave of absence.
The nine-time champions pulled the plug on a dynastic run in the local men’s game following a company-wide review of Cignal’s future corporate direction.
READ: Cignal takes leave of absence from Spikers' Turf
Unsurprisingly, the development left the women’s side equally stunned.
But rather than linger on the sudden shelving of their men’s counterparts, the PVL squad is now taking on a heavier sense of responsibility as Cignal’s lone remaining professional sports team.
“Sobrang nakakalungkot. Nagulat din kami du’n sa news na ‘yun. For us, ang kailangan naming mas isipin is kung ano ‘yung mas dapat naming gawin ngayon, ano ‘yung mas importante and ano ‘yung pwede naming magawa pa para rin sa Cignal,” head coach Shaq delos Santos said.
“Family kami. Kami ‘yung mga nandiyan [para sa isa’t isa]. Best way na magagawa namin is mapakita namin ‘yung worth ng investment nila sa’min.”
Nothing taken for granted
For Super Spikers mainstays Erika Santos and Tin Tiamzon, the men’s team exit is not something that has shaken their focus.
Instead, it has reinforced their resolve to make the most of the opportunity in front of them and to justify the trust placed in the women’s program.
“We’re given this opportunity to stay sa Cignal to give back sa investment nila sa’min. After nga ng nangyari sa men’s team, hindi namin sasayangin ‘tong opportunity,” Tiamzon said.
“May purpose kasi lahat ng nangyayari so tinake namin siya as motivation. Na-inspire na lang kami sa kung ano ‘yung meron kami ngayon at hindi namin ‘to ite-take for granted,” Santos added.
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