2017 Grand Prix record: 4-4 (5th)
Head coach: Edgar Barroga
Imports: Jeane Horton, Sonja Milanovic
Key holdovers: Rachel Anne Daquis (captain), Cherry Vivas, Jheck Dionela, May Macatuno, Ivy Carlos
Key losses: Jovelyn Gonzaga (injury), Janine Marciano (injury), Mylene Paat (to UAAP), Honey Royse Tubino (to Cocolife), Michelle Laborte (to Sta. Lucia), Maica Morada, Paneng Mercado, Chie Saet
Key additions: Rialen Sante (from Sta. Lucia), Shirley Salamagos (from Sta. Lucia), Janine Navarro (from Sta. Lucia), Acy Masangkay (from Generika), Cindy Amutan
The Cignal HD Spikers ended the 2017 season on a disappointing note. After winning the co-championship in the Invitational Cup, they settled for bronze in the All-Filipino tournament. Their slide continued as they failed to crack the semifinals of the import-laden Grand Prix. Hampered by injuries, the team bowed down to the much-improved Cocolife Asset Managers in the knockout quarterfinal stage.
Heading into the new season, the HD Spikers may have lost the most number of key players among all the teams. Former league MVP Jovelyn Gonzaga and open hitter Janine Marciano are still recovering from their respective injuries they sustained last conference. Maica Morada left for Australia, Mylene Paat suited up for Adamson in the UAAP, Honey Royse Tubino and Michelle Laborte transferred to other teams, while Paneng Mercado and Chie Saet are reportedly moving to another league.
Along with these player departures, coach George Pascua also packed his bags to head over to the Sta. Lucia Realtors. Cignal team manager Edgar Barroga accepted the challenge of taking Pascua's place as the chief tactician.
Rachel Anne Daquis will spearhead the charge, along with Cherry Vivas, libero Jheck Dionela, setter May Macatuno, and service specialist Ivy Carlos. They will be complemented by Rialen Sante, Shirley Salamagos, and Janine Navarro, who all came from Sta. Lucia. Playmaker Acy Masangkay and Cindy Amutan of De La Salle-Dasmarinas also joined the fold.
"Since the team is rebuilding, we're still trying to get along and familiarize ourselves with each other but we're in the process," Carlos shared about their preparations.
As for reinforcements, Cignal tapped the services of American Jeane Horton and Bosnian Sonja Milanovic.
"I believe and hope that I bring energy, passion for the game, and excitement," Horton enthusiastically said. "I have a big personality and I'm hoping to bring that not only into the team but into the fans [as well]."
Barroga knows that the HD Spikers are still in the adjustment phase but he remains positive that they are strong enough to match up with the other teams.
"With the help of our locals and our team captain (Daquis) who works hard for the team, we will still be competitive," the rookie mentor confidently said.