BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Cignal went in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference with a relatively new roster.
Gone were Jovelyn Gonzaga, who had to play for the Army; Mylene Paat who decided to bolt to Chery Tiggo; and Alohi Robins-Hardy, who had passport issues prior to the season.
Team skipper Rachel Daquis admitted that the team failed to adjust to the situation quickly.
Still, she’s more than happy to see the likes of Ayel Estrañero, Ranya Musa, Roselyn Doria, and May Luna, to name a few, step up for the squad.
“All of us are strong individually. Nagkulang kami to prepare collectively and we don’t deny that. Hindi namin na-adapt agad ang transition,” said Daquis after Cignal’s loss to Black Mamba-Army last Saturday.
“But what I am happy lang are the young ones have a bright future ahead. We will come back stronger,” the two-time V-League Finals MVP added.
Cignal, whose lone win came at the expense of fifth-seeded Sta. Lucia, capped off the season with a 1-8 record.
After seeing the squad’s character throughout the PVL bubble, the 33-year-old Daquis — who admitted that she ‘lost herself’ in the process — believes that there can only be good things for the HD Spikers in the future.
“Will continue to work hard. Etong season na ‘to napaka-memorable sa ‘kin kasi tinest ang pagkatao ko,” said Daquis, who was weeping after their game against Army last Saturday.
“I almost lost myself, but nilabanan ko siya sa tulong ng team ko na walang sawa ang supporta at pagmamahal. What’s next for me? I will focus to become better and will be back stronger.”
