CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – Now in the final stretch of her career, Jovelyn Gonzaga is intent on making the most of every opportunity handed to her while continuing to build memories she hopes will last long after she hangs up her jersey.
That determination was on full display on Saturday, when the 34-year-old opposite hitter spearheaded Alas Pilipinas to a commanding 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 win over Uzbekistan to open the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, at the Candon City Arena.
“I just wanna enjoy the last years of my playing career, and gusto ko maganda yung memory na maiiwan sa volleyball,” said Gonzaga, who tallied a double-double of 12 points and 13 excellent digs in the victory.
Gonzaga last suited up for the indoor national team in 2019 before shifting to beach volleyball, where she went on to win a bronze medal with Dij Rodriguez in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in 2021 and a gold medal in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures a year later.
Since then, the 5-foot-8 winger out of Guimaras has been playing for ZUS Coffee in the Premier Volleyball League before finding her way back to the national team amid a difficult buildup to the continental tourney, which is co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
With a rare national team return, Gonzaga feels determined to seize the opportunity and make a meaningful impact for Alas Pilipinas.
She is also helping provide leadership alongside Alyssa Valdez and Ces Molina, forming a steady veteran core for the new-look national team, which also features several promising young stars.
After only three weeks of preparation leading up to the tournament, Gonzaga admitted that there is still much to be done, but vowed that the team will continue working hard to improve.
“Basta happy kami na paunti-unti naming nakukuha yung program ng coaches. Paghihirapan pa namin, pagsisikapan pa namin, at pagbubutihan pa sa susunod na games.”
