Jules Samonte has been nothing but consistent for PLDT in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
The former Ateneo standout delivered 11 points in the High Speed Hitters’ debut win over Chery Tiggo. She then followed it up with 10 points and 11 excellent digs in the team’s straight-set loss to Creamline last Saturday.
And on Tuesday night, Samonte delivered her best performance in a PLDT kit. She unloaded 18 points on 16 attacks, a block, and an ace to go along with 15 excellent digs.
With this, she led the High Speed Hitters to a tough five-set win over Petro Gazz, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14.
“Every game we have to do our best to win. And siyempre wala po dapat mag-relax and keep on working hard in training,” said Samonte after the character-building win that helped PLDT tie Army-Black Mamba at the third spot.
According to head coach George Pascua, people can trace Samonte’s consistent performances back to the extra work that she has been putting in during practices.
“Sa opposite, ang dami naming ano… In fairness naman kay Jules, mayroon siyang initiative. Maaga siyang pumupunta sa training para mag-overload kung ano yung kulang niya. So, yun yung tinitignan namin,” said Pascua.
“Yung character ng isang player, yung initiative niya para sa sarili niya kung anong pagkukulang niya… Kasi kung ganun yung attitude ng player, pagdating sa laro, meron din siyang initiative na gawin yung mga bagay na makakapagpanalo ng team. Yun yung nakita kong character niya.”
The 5-foot-10 Samonte was converted from a middle blocker to an opposite spiker when she joined PLDT in the previous conference.
While it was indeed a rough transition, Pascua lauded Samonte – who is now enjoying the product of her hard work – for her willingness to learn and improve.
“Tapos syempre, willing naman siya [ma-convert] from middle to outside. So in fairness sa kanya, nagawa niya. Pero siyempre hindi ganun kadali yun, talagang training talaga and trust,” the former FEU Lady Tamaraws head coach said.
On her part, the former Perlas middle blocker said that she’s just glad to have the privilege to work under Pascua and the entire PLDT staff.
“I’m just really grateful po that I’m getting to play especially also that the coaches trust me. Ayun, I’m just really grateful to play and train under coach George [Pascua].”
