THERE’S no stopping this undermanned Cignal squad.
The HD Spikers brought out the best from every player in their depleted core in a 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22 win over Choco Mucho in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Gel Cayuna excelled beyond her playmaking duties as she delivered a rare double-double for a setter with 16 excellent sets and 11 points.
Reigning Invitationals best middle blocker Jackie Acuna stepped up in soon-to-be-married Rose Doria’s absence with a game-best five blocks in her 14-point night.
A conference-best 24 markers for Sisi Rondina didn’t quite cut it for a Flying Titans side that dug an early 0-2 set hole.
Quality over quantity
Now more than ever, there is a dire need for the 14 remaining HD Spikers to be as committed as they can be to deliver day in and day out.
Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos is pleased with what he’s seeing so far.
“Lahat sila, fully committed talaga du’n sa mga gusto naming ipagawa. To be honest, hindi talaga siya madali kasi siyempre, [nabawasan] ‘yung mga tao namin,” the Cignal mentor said.
“Pero sinabi ko sa kanila before, kung sino ‘yung nandito, magtatrabaho tayo lahat, sumunod sa sistema, magpakondisyon lang mabuti, alagaan yung sarili, and that's it.”
One thing delos Santos takes pride in is how Cignal players have put in the extra work to compensate for a smaller rotation.
"Kita ko 'yung pagod talaga, especially nung gumalaw na rin talaga nang maganda 'yung Choco Mucho, which is 'yun 'yung inexpect namin. Good thing kasi, nakapag-invest na rin kami ng good two sets. Good thing, siyempre, na nakuha, napanalo namin siya."
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