Ces Molina and Ria Meneses depart the Cignal HD Spikers in the middle of the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ces Molina and Ria Meneses bid farewell to the Cignal HD Spikers in the middle of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
In a shocking announcement on Thursday, Avior Management, which handles Molina and Meneses, bared that the pair will no longer be part of Cignal’s campaign.
The management said the dynamic duo decided to leave the team but didn’t disclose the reason.
READ: PVL: Cignal says Ces Molina, Ria Meneses ignored extension offers
“Ces Molina, Marivic Meneses and Avior Talent Management extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Cignal HD Spikers Management for the unwavering support and opportunities given to Frances Xinia Molina and Marivic Meneses over the past three years,” the statement read.
“Your dedication and guidance have been instrumental in shaping their careers and leaving a legacy of excellence. Thank you for being an incredible part of their journey.”
Sources bared to Inquirer Sports that the contracts of Molina and Menese expired last December 31 and they decided not to renew.
FILE–Cignal HD Spikers star Ces Molina turns emotional after being named MVP of the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
In a statement, the Cignal HD Spikers said that the team offered the two players contract extensions as early as October last year but the pair allegedly didn’t respond to communications.
“Avior Talent Management, which represents Ces Molina and Riri Meneses, reached out to team management earlier today, following a formal letter sent last January 6, requesting to end their live contract extension in order to pursue unspecified opportunities abroad,” Cignal said.
READ: PVL: Several teams interested in Ces Molina and Ria Meneses pair
Cignal libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, who was at the PNVF event earlier, was also sought for comments regarding the departure of her teammates but politely refuse to talk about the matter.
Cignal is currently No.2 with a 4-1 record ahead of the resumption of the PVL action on January 18.
The Inquirer also reached out to PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo about the eligibility of Molina and Meneses once they transfer. He has yet to respond as of posting time.
But as per the rules the PVL shared during a press conference last November, a player who already suited up for a team in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference can no longer play with another team during the duration of the tournament even if the player’s contract expires and decides to transfer.
READ: Ces Molina crowned 2023 PVL Invitationals MVP in a career first
Based on this, the earliest the two can see action for another team is the Reinforced Conference.
Molina has been playing for Cignal for the past three years, where she won the 2023 Invitational Conference MVP and played in two finals appearances in the 2022 Reinforced and last year’s Invitationals.
Meneses, who also came from Petro Gazz in 2021 with Molina, won two Best Middle Blocker awards as an HD Spiker and helped the team win five bronze medals during their stay.