With multititled Shaq now in charge, Cignal begins buildup for pro tourney

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Cignal is slowly getting the hang of training in a different setup. The HD Spikers are getting pretty much accustomed to their new coach, too.

Many-time national team mentor Shaq delos Santos has started his tenure as coach of Cignal, which began a locked-in training for the coming Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Training in a bio-secure gym was a big adjustment for the squad, which is trying to get in shape after more than a year of inactivity because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But “…so far it’s going well,” said Delos Santos.

Cignal had always been a strong title contender in the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) and will be bringing its title-seeking bid to the newly professionalized PVL.

Each team in the PVL will be practicing in assigned venues, with Cignal training at Paco Gym in Manila. Delos Santos declined to say where the whole team is billeted in.

The start of preparations for the teams augurs well for the PVL, which delayed its start to the season to allow players to get in competitive shape. No definite date had been set for the league’s start, although PVL president Ricky Palou said the country’s first pro volleyball tournament could get going at the end of May.

The HD Spikers, led by stars Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis, are still hoping to bring back top setter Alohi Robins-Hardy back in the fold.

Delos Santos comes with his own championship pedigree, having steered Petron to four championships in the PSL from 2017 to 2019.