BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos could not feel more proud of Janine Marciano after the latter showed the way for the HD Spikers in their first win against Sta. Lucia here at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center on Wednesday.
After all, he has witnessed all the hard work that Marciano has put in during the off-season — from Cignal’s Zoom workouts, to their actual training bubble in Splendido Country Club in Laurel, Batangas.
“Siyempre happy kasi masisipag naman lahat. And [si] Janine kasi isa doon sa masipag na players, and inaaral niya ‘yung kung anong gusto niyang gawin and ‘yung sistema,” said Delos Santos after Cignal’s 25-22, 25-18, 13-25, 25-20, victory over Sta. Lucia.
“Proud kaming lahat kasi ang ganda ng nagiging performance niya kahit nung first game namin. Hopefully lang ma-maintain talaga namin.”
The 29-year-old product of San Beda unloaded 14 points — 13 of which coming from attacks — in Cignal’s breakthrough win in the PVL.
Back in Cignal’s debut loss against Chery Tiggo, Marciano led the team with 12 points and nine excellent digs.
But entering the tournament without the 1-2 combo of Alohi Robbins-Hardy and Jovelyn Gonzaga, Marciano is just glad to contribute to the squad.
“Unang una po nag-eenjoy lang talaga ‘yung team. And very happy [ako] na talagang nagtutulungan po and lahat nase-step up,” said the former BaliPure hitter.
“‘Yun nga, pati ‘yung mga coaches namin very supportive and talagang tinutulungan kami bawat galaw namin sa loob ng court. As in team effort po talaga with the coaching staff, so I’m very happy po.”
Marciano and the rest of the HD Spikers will be put to the test when they will go up against a rejigged Petro Gazz Angels team on Friday at 3:00 PM.
