SHE may be the PVL’s oldest at 36 years old in the 2024 batch of imports, but bronze medalist Cignal’s MJ Perez still emerged as the best foreign guest player of the recently-concluded Reinforced Conference.
But her job’s not done with the HD Spikers with a few more days left to take care of unfinished business in the week-long Invitational Conference where they have dispatched Farm Fresh and Thai club EST Cola thus far.
While Father Time is starting to catch up with Perez judging from the heightened levels of fatigue she has been experiencing, her commitment to winning remains second to none.
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“To be honest, it’s been hard. I’m not gonna say that it’s easy. I’ve been tired. Right now, It’s more about myself, I’m trying to keep my mind clear. I’m just thankful. Thank God that my body is good,” said Perez.
“Everybody’s talking about my age and everything, but until now, I’m working on myself, on my condition to be ready and not get injured and everything. With the coaches in training, he doesn’t overload me, so this is how we will prepare for this especially.
“Of course, I have soreness and I’m tired, but my body right now is good, it’s good that I don’t have injuries. I hope I feel like this until the end of the tournament.”
Will pressure haunt Cignal again?
Perez and the rest of the HD Spikers squandered a 2-0 set lead and four match points in their Reinforced Conference semifinals match against Creamline.
Their shot at redemption awaits on Monday, one that could have major implications on which team reaches the knockout title game on Thursday.
Tired as they all are, the Venezuelan spiker assured they’ll be ready.
“We have to keep our focus. We know it’s not gonna be an easy game, they are also tired, they have been playing like us. I think we are the same,” said Perez. “It’s about how we will play this time without pressure, just enjoy the game and do our best.”
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