BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — The beloved ‘GonzaQuis’ tandem of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis opened a new chapter in its 11-year-old book on Sunday night.
The long-time teammates found themselves on the opposite sides of the court after having each others’ backs for more than a decade.
When the dust settled, Gonzaga had the last laugh. Her Black Mamba Army took down Daquis’ Cignal in four sets, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19 to cap off their Premier Volleyball Open Conference campaign on a high note.
“Naghuhulihan kami ‘di ba,” quipped Gonzaga after the match.
“Actually parang ano, normal, normal na game. Tapos hindi maiwasan na magkahulihan talaga ng laro, so last minute adjustments kami nung setter ko. And thankful naman ako na injury free and maganda ‘yung pinakita namin na laro sa mga fans. Masaya naman at nakalaban ko ang Cignal,” added Gonzaga.
It was a showdown between the two Philippine volleyball greats at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center.
The Army team captain finished with a team-high 14 points. Meanwhile, the Cignal skipper also had a team-best 13 markers in what could be a perfect way to end the elimination round.
Daquis and Gonzaga go way back during the Shakey’s V-League era. Back then, they helped the Lady Troopers win the Season 11 Open Conference championship.
The two also made waves in the Philippine Super Liga, winning a total of four championships with Army from 2013 to 2016. Then they steered Cignal to its first finals appearance in the league in 2019.
Unfortunately, the partnership had to end as Gonzaga had to play for her mother club. On the other hand, Daquis remained with Cignal.
“I have always high respect with Jovelyn all the years na magkasama kami.
“But now, playing on the other side of the court, mas humanga ako sa kanya. How strong and gifted she is in this sport,” expressed Daquis after the match.
Will we ever see Gonzaquis on the same side again? Only time can tell.
“Ayon, looking forward na magkasama kami ulit,” said Gonzaga.
