Gel Cayuna expressed her gratitude for her consideration in the Alas Pilipinas pool but emphasized that her current focus remains on Cignal’s ongoing campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
“Happy po kasi naa-appreciate niya rin ‘yung talent ko,” said Cayuna after the HD Spikers’ straight-set victory over the Thai squad Est Cola at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the recent inclusion of Choco Mucho playmaker Mars Alba, Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito reiterated that the national team pool remains open to PVL players, particularly to Cayuna, who recently secured her fourth Best Setter award in the Reinforced Conference.
“It’s kind of a surprise just because I didn’t tell the guys, but it’s no surprise because every time you play well in the PVL, any player can enter the pool,” De Brito explained.
“It’s just an option because Choco Mucho is already out, so I called her and asked if she was available to join us.”
De Brito further clarified that Alba’s consideration was part of a broader selection process that involved many of the PVL’s top talents, including Cayuna.
“Not only [Alba was considered], but all the good players. She had the chance to stay more time with us. Cayuna, the best setter in this PVL conference, is also an option, so we’re here for the best players available,” he added.
Cayuna has been on De Brito’s radar ever since he assumed the national team coaching position in 2021.
The 26-year-old setter made her national team debut that same year, playing for the Choco Mucho squad that competed in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, alongside Rebisco.
Although the opportunity for Cayuna to join Alas Pilipinas remains open, Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos stressed the importance of keeping the HD Spikers’ core intact for now.
The team – which finished third in the Reinforced Conference – is still missing key players Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler, both of whom are fulfilling their commitments to the national team.
Catindig and Gandler were absent throughout the import-laden tournament, and their absence left a noticeable gap in Cignal’s roster.
(C) PVL Images
“Siguro ano, sobrang na-appreciate lang namin ‘yun na ‘yung talents and skills ni Gel, kung paano siya maglaro, [nakikita nila], sobrang thankful kami doon. But siguro ‘yung regarding na talaga diyan, to be honest, matinding isipin siya. Hindi siya biro,” Delos Santos shared.
“Kasi sa totoo lang, nakikita niyo naman ‘yung team namin, up and down, up and down, nag-struggle din kami. Ngayon, medyo ngayon lang ulit nakakabwelo, so talagang kailangan ayusin muna namin ‘yung team namin. Ayun muna,” he added.
If a formal invitation comes through for Cayuna in the future, Delos Santos assured that both she and the Cignal management would carefully assess the situation before making any decisions.
