New-look Cignal HD Spikers still kings of Spikers’ Turf with Open title

Cignal HD Spikers defend their Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown. –PVL PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The Cignal HD Spikers may have fielded a brand new look ahead of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference but that didn’t stop them from extending their reign as the kings of men’s volleyball. Facing the core of its last year’s title run including star Marck Espejo, the new-look Cignal still completed a golden repeat behind star Bryan Bagunas and swept Criss Cross, 25-23, 27-25, 25-21, in the Open Conference Finals on Friday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Bagunas, who won his second straight championship in Taiwan last year, finally captured his first Spikers’ Turf title in six years, delivering the HD Spikers’ seventh crown right in his first stint. “We’re so grateful to have Bryan Bagunas. He shared his international experience,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.



“Not just Bryan, everyone contributed. It’s really the collective effort, collective sacrifices, and collective ideas to get this championship.” READ: Bryan Bagunas powers Cignal closer to Spikers’ Turf title Tied at 17-all in the third set, the HD Spikers lost Jau Umandal after his head accidentally hit Jude Garcia’s elbow off his back row attempt, and was stretchered off the court.

Bagunas told Umandal to stay conscious, promising they would claim the Spikers’ Turf title. Cignal HD Spikers’ star Bryan Bagunas in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals. –PVL PHOTO St.