Owa Retamar, right, celebrates during Cignal’s title-clinching win in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Cignal coach Dexter Clamor believes that a winner-take-all Game 3 is all about “being more disciplined.”
That’s why he banked heavily on setter Owa Retamar with their title defense on the line.
“[The night before the game] I texted Owa and told him, ‘Study how we’re going to beat Criss Cross.’ I gave him the task. Of course, we have a system, but I let him play his game and lead the offense. He texted me asking, ‘Coach, what’s our game plan? Am I starting tomorrow, or should I come in as a sub?’ I told him, ‘It’s your team. These are your positions, so study it,’” said Clamor in Filipino.
READ: Fresh off three-peat, Cignal turns attention to AVC Japan stint
After playing two consecutive five-set thrillers in Games 1 and 2, Cignal swept Criss Cross, 25-22, 25-16, 28-26, to complete its ‘three-peat’ bid in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
Clamor attributed it to Retamar’s brilliance, orchestrating the team’s balanced attack with 24 excellent sets on top of three points, highlighted by a crucial double block with Lloyd Josafat to deny Marck Espejo’s attack.
“Owa really gave his all. He followed the system and played well. The team also stepped up, and I think it came down to discipline, our fire from the start, and praying that we would win every set. We knew how hard we worked for this,” Clamor said.
Retamar, who suffered from cramps in the final moments of Game 2, kept his composure and remained confident, taking full responsibility for his team in a winner-take-all game to survive Criss Cross’ best season.
“I know myself, and I trust that I can handle crucial moments. I studied the game plan and even wrote down my attack strategies in my phone notes. I was given confidence by Coach Dex, and I didn’t want to waste that chance,” said Retamar.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal claims three-peat, dispatches Criss Cross
The ninth Cignal trophy was fulfilling for Retamar as the King Crunchers beat them four times this conference, sweeping them in the double-round elimination and taking them down in the semifinal round for a 13-0 unbeaten run before the HD Spikers snapped it in Game 1.
It took a village to decode a dominant Criss Cross side in the finals.
“I’m really happy, although it was tough. We started the season not even knowing who my spikers would be since almost everyone had injuries. But I know that when it comes to the semifinals and finals, Cignal always steps up. So, if we were to get the MVP award, I’d say it’s a team MVP because everyone really performed well,” said Retamar.
After winning the crown in their toughest conference yet, Clamor knows the next tournament will be more challenging, as they remain hungry for championship No. 10.
“The hardest thing is defending the title. Once you’re at the top, it’s tough because complacency can set in. But the motivation from the management, the rewards they give us, pushes us to keep working hard every conference,” said Clamor.
“We don’t stop. We’re not tired of winning championships because that’s the culture we have. We know how painful it is to lose, and that’s what drives us. For the next conference, we’re going to keep fighting and take the championship again.”
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