Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos lauded veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga for stepping up and leading from the front in the HD Spikers’ bounce-back victory over Farm Fresh.
Following a stunning 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 loss to defending champion Creamline, Gonzaga showcased her versatility anew and steered Cignal to a 25-10, 25-14, 25-15 win over the Foxies at the Philsports Arena on Thursday.
The 32-year-old opposite hitter had an all-around outing, tallying 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, along with 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions in the 69-minute affair.
More than her numbers, delos Santos tipped his hat to Gonzaga for her exceptional leadership in the straight-set victory, which put them at 5-2, tied with Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo in the fourth to sixth spots.
“Sobrang proud sa team kasi cinommit talaga nila yung sarili nila para mapag-perform nang maayos, especially si Jov [Gonzaga] din grabe yung leadership niya kanina sa loob ng court, maririnig naman natin yung sa communication and kita sa performance talaga,” said delos Santos.
Gonzaga said that she felt the need to step up and become more vocal due to the absence of Rachel Daquis, who is considered the team’s heart and soul. She also credited her time with the Philippine Army, which she believes helped her hone her leadership skills.
“Ang leadership, actually, siguro nahasa na rin ako sa Army. Pero hindi talaga ako ganun ka-vocal unlike kay Rachel Anne Daquis so everytime na magkasama kami sa loob ng court kasi, alam kong si Rachel ang taga-kalma and taga-relax, ako ta-trabaho lang talaga ako,” shared the two-time V-League MVP.
“But this time, kailangan ko rin mag-step up kasi kailangan kong tulungan si Ces. And knowing Ces, very tahimik din ‘yon and biglang transition as a team captain so ambigat din ng responsibility niya,” she added.
The Central Philippine University product also shared that she wants to lessen the burden carried by the Cignal coaching staff and team captain Ces Molina.
“And ako, bilang matagal na ring naglalaro, kailangan ko, ‘yun nga, kailangan ko talagang mag-step up para sa team kasi meron kaming goal eh,” she said.
“And kailangan namin talagang i-embrace ‘yung responsibility na ‘yon para din mas maging magaan din konti sa trabaho ng coaching staff kasi andami din nilang kinakargo sa personal din nila and ‘yung kargo na nangyayari sa team. So kailangan namin mag-step up talaga.”
