Cignal HD Spikers have returned from an eye-opening training camp in Japan that has reshaped their approach to the game. Facing some of Japan’s top-tier teams in the SV.League and V.League, as well as formidable university squads, the team encountered challenges that tested their limits and refined their strategy.

Head coach Dexter Clamor explains that the experience was a pivotal learning opportunity. “Training against Division 1 and Division 2 teams, as well as the best university squads in Nagoya, offered us invaluable lessons,” he said. The intense competition in Japan pushed the HD Spikers to confront adversity—experiencing tough losses and learning how to rebound, a contrast to their usual straight-set victories at home.

The international stint underscored the importance of chemistry and depth, traits that have long defined Cignal’s roster. The team maintained a consistent lineup from the previous season, highlighting the trust in their core players. Captains Wendel Miguel and JP Bugaoan lead the squad, supported by heavy hitters like Jau Umandal, Louie Ramirez, JM Ronquillo, and Steven Rotter, along with a trio of skilled setters—Owa Retamar, EJ Casaña, and Cian Silang—who orchestrate the team’s dynamic offense.

Cignal’s training in Japan has not only honed their technical skills but also instilled a renewed winning mentality. “Every time a season ends, our motivation resets to zero. We know that after each championship we win, every team is watching, ready to beat us. That’s why we work even harder in training,” Miguel explained.

As the team gears up for the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, the lessons from Japan serve as a catalyst for further growth. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Cignal HD Spikers are determined to defend their title and prove that their reign is far from over.