MANILA, Philippines — In their first test without ace spiker Ces Molina and middle blocker Riri Meneses, the Cignal HD Spikers showed strength instead of weakness in the resumption of their 2025 All-Filipino Conference campaign.
The HD Spikers swept the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19, to start their post-Molina-Meneses era on a high note.
Judith Abil and Ishie Lalongisip stepped up on both ends as Cignal improved to 5-1, good for second place in the standings.
"This is big for us because they were some of the players left with us," said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos of Abil and Lalongisip.
Abil pumped seven points laced with nine excellent digs while Lalongisip logged nine markers and six receptions.
Their numbers were certainly a lift for the HD Spikers who were led by Vanie Gandler who pumped 17 to lead all scorers.
"It shows the commitment of everyone to do their best," said Delos Santos.
"We're not really looking for some high level contribution but just however one can help through points, defense, or any skills. They (Abil and Lalongisip) are both fighters."
Gandler said they can't dwell on the players who left like Molina and Meneses, who did not renew their contracts with the team.
They just have to face the challenges head on.
"It's challenging of course but then I'm not alone. I have the whole team, we have Ishie who can really step up, We just didn't dwell on that," said Gandler.
"I think the only way to improve is to accept the challenges. So we just accepted the challenges that we will face and no pressure because we trained for this, everyone trained for this. It's the same teamwork."