Cignal’s Steve Rotter named Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week

Steve Rotter is proving that he is back and better than ever. After an injury-plagued campaign last season, the Filipino-American spiker has stepped up as a consistent offensive force for Cignal, keeping the defending champions undefeated in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.

His stellar performances in the past week earned him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award, presented by Pilipinas Live, covering the period from February 26 to March 2. Rotter follows teammate Jau Umandal, who won the same honor the previous week.

Cignal’s Filipino-American spiker is making up for lost time with consistent offensive performances. [Spikers Turf photo]

Dominant Performances Fuel Cignal’s Unbeaten Run

Rotter has been on a scoring tear, averaging 15.0 points per game in Cignal’s latest victories.

Last Wednesday, he was unstoppable in just two sets of action, leading the HD Spikers to a 25-21, 25-13, 25-19 sweep of VNS-Laticrete at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

He followed up with another efficient showing last Sunday, firing 15 points on a 14-of-22 attacking clip in a 19-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 comeback victory over PGJC-Navy at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

For Rotter, the motivation behind his strong play is simple—he is making up for lost time.

“My consistency and drive were key. I was injured a lot throughout last season, so I have this drive to stay on the court and contribute as much as possible. I think about all the times I couldn’t play—it’s a way to keep me motivated all the time,” Rotter said.

Beating Out Tough Competition

Rotter edged out several top performers for the Player of the Week honor, including:

Jau Umandal (Cignal) – last week’s winner
Ish Polvorosa and Jude Garcia (Criss Cross) – instrumental in their team’s unbeaten start
CJ Segui (VNS-Laticrete) – coming off a career-best performance

Rotter rises for a powerful hit as the HD Spikers extend their unbeaten run in the tournament. [Spikers Turf photo]

The 6-foot-6 California native credited his setters, Owa Retamar and EJ Casaña, for putting him in prime scoring positions.

“I’m definitely playing with more aggression. Every set that I had, I wanted to kill the ball and I played with a lot more confidence. I have to thank my setters for putting me in the right positions,” he said.

Focused on the Championship Mission

With Criss Cross up next on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre, followed by Alpha Insurance on Sunday at Ynares Arena, Rotter knows the challenge only gets tougher. But he remains locked in on the team’s championship goal.

“My mindset is to never take any game for granted, always play at 100 percent, and respect every opponent. I want to be at my best every game, and that’s what I strive for,” Rotter said.

Cignal’s winningest club in Spikers’ Turf history is looking to defend its title, and with Rotter regaining peak form, the HD Spikers remain the team to beat.