CIGNAL knew every single player in its 14-player rotation must go over and above for the team to do well in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gel Cayuna and Jackie Acuña answered the call.
The dynamic duo went beyond their usual roles to spur Cignal in its four-set rout of Choco Mucho - the HD Spikers' third win in as many games in the season-opening conference.
READ Depleted Cignal continues to amaze with big win over Choco Mucho
Cayuna, a four-time PVL best setter, pulled off a rare feat of completing a double-double of 16 excellent sets and 11 points as she also took on occasional spiker duties.
Little do many know that scoring has always been part of Cayuna’s arsenal — one she just hasn’t shown much lately.
“Tinatrabaho naman namin sa training. Kilala niyo naman ako kung paano ako maglaro. Alam niya rin na kaya akong umatake, kaya yun nga sa training talaga ginagawa din talaga namin, kaya rin lumalabas din sa games,” Cayuna said.
Play hard, work harder
Acuña, meanwhile, was integral in the HD Spikers’ 2024 Invitational Conference runner-up finish where she even won the top middle blocker award.
As Cignal veteran Rose Doria took a break for her forthcoming wedding, the 24-year-old defender stepped up with five blocks to highlight a 14-point performance.
“Every game, sinasabihan namin kami ni coach [Shaq delos Santos] kung sino magiging starters. Bale ina-accept lang namin if ever na ipasok kami, bibigay talaga namin yung best namin na makatulong,” Acuña said.
“Ngayon na wala si Ate Dors, talagang mina-mindset ko na kailangan talaga ako ng coaches ko, teammates ko na mapanalo yung laban na ‘to.”
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