The Cignal HD Spikers are now facing a major battle in the 2024/25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. The loss of two of their key players, Ces Molina and Ria Meneses, has sent ripples throughout the volleyball community. This unexpected occurrence has sparked concerns about the duo's future and has left the squad trying to preserve their lead in the league.
On Thursday, January 9, Molina and Meneses’ talent agency, Avior Management, made an unexpected announcement, confirming the pair’s decision to leave the team. The agency expressed gratitude to Cignal’s management while addressing the duo’s departure.
“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. 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,” read Avior Management’s official statement.
The management of the Cignal HD Spikers has since spoken out, revealing that both Molina and Meneses had been offered contract extensions as early as October 2024. However, neither player responded to the offer, nor did they participate in the team’s training sessions when they resumed earlier this year.
In a detailed statement, Cignal expressed their disappointment and highlighted the potential breach of contract:
“Avior Talent Management, who represents Ces Molina and Ria Meneses, has reached out to the team management on Thursday, following a formal letter sent last January 6, to end their live contract extension in order to pursue unspecified opportunities to play abroad. Team management began renewal discussions via formal offer as early as October 2024, but sadly, both players have not responded to any communications and have stopped attending training upon its resumption earlier this week,” Cignal stated.
Cignal also emphasized that they are in the process of consulting their legal team to explore all possible legal avenues:
“We are in the process of consulting our legal team to determine all possible courses of action allowed following this material breach of both players’ contracts.”
READ: The Cignal HD Spikers have released a statement regarding the departure of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses from the team, following an announcement made by their agency, Avior Talent Management, on Thursday, January 9.#PVL2025 #TheHeartOfVolleyball #OneSports pic.twitter.com/EBLnuLFE7A
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 9, 2025
Ces Molina and Ria Meneses joined the Cignal HD Spikers in 2021 and have since become integral to the team’s success. Molina was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the 2023 Invitational Conference, while Meneses was honored as the Best Middle Blocker in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference. Their contributions helped solidify Cignal’s reputation as a top contender in the PVL.
The abrupt departure of these two standout athletes is a significant loss for Cignal. As per PVL rules, if Molina and Meneses’ plans to play abroad do not materialize, they will be forced to sit out the remainder of the conference. The PVL strictly forbids teams from signing players who are still officially listed with their previous clubs, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
With the departure of Molina and Meneses, the Cignal HD Spikers are left with just 12 players on their roster as they navigate the All-Filipino Conference. Despite this setback, the team has managed to maintain an impressive standing, currently sitting in second place with a 4-1 win-loss record.
The departure of two key players mid-season raises concerns about how the team will adapt to these challenges. Can they sustain their strong performance and compete for the championship? Only time will tell.
This incident highlights the growing trend of Filipino volleyball players seeking opportunities abroad. The pursuit of international exposure and better compensation packages is becoming more common, as seen in Molina and Meneses’ case. However, this also brings challenges, particularly regarding player contracts and team commitments in local leagues like the PVL.
Cignal’s decision to pursue legal action may set a precedent for how such situations are handled in the future. It underscores the importance of clear communication and adherence to contractual obligations in professional sports.
As the PVL season unfolds, this controversy adds an extra layer of intrigue for volleyball fans and sports bettors alike. With the Cignal HD Spikers facing adversity, betting enthusiasts are closely watching how the team will perform in the coming matches. Will they rally together and overcome the odds, or will this disruption derail their campaign?
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