Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

News

MJ Perez, 36, gains European offers after impressive Cignal run


When she signed with Cignal in the Premier Volleyball League, MJ Perez thought this could be the perfect place to say goodbye to the sport that made her a hero in someone’s eyes.

Perez was first introduced to Philippine volleyball seven years ago when she joined F2 Logistics in the defunct Philippine Superliga. From that moment on, the country secured a spot in her heart.

At age 36, the Venezuelan spiker inked a deal with the HD Spikers for the 2024 PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conferences, thinking this could be her final stint as a professional player, allowing her to focus on her personal life.

But life moves in mysterious ways and offers people options to consider. For Perez, it was the success of her Cignal stint that made her rethink her decisions.

Despite being the oldest import in the Reinforced Conference, Perez still shone the brightest, winning the Best Foreign Guest Player award while leading Cignal to the bronze medal.

She followed this with a Best Outside Spiker performance in the Invitational Conference, helping the HD Spikers secure silver after falling short in the gold medal match against the Creamline Cool Smashers.

PVL-INV-2024-Awarding-Cignal-silver-1652 MJ Perez, 36, gains European offers after impressive Cignal run News PVL Volleyball  - philippine sports news

(C) PVL Images

“You know, before I was thinking that it’s time to retire with my age and everything, but after this challenge here, I feel good and offers came,” shared Perez on Thursday night.

“I decided to go to play in Europe. I still can’t make it official because I haven’t signed my final contract, but there’s a possibility that after here I will play in [Europe].”

Perez’s fire for the game was reinvigorated, most evident in their match against Creamline as she unleashed a PVL record of 42 points—the most in a Finals game.

#ReadMore  Morning of surprises as San Miguel Beermen welcome Terrence Romeo, Jimmy Alapag

She achieved this with 37 attacks, three service aces, and two blocks, while also tallying 17 excellent receptions and 11 digs.

However, that record was overshadowed as they failed to reach the top. Still, Perez had no regrets, knowing she would leave Cignal a better team than when she arrived.

“Of course, we’re sad because the main target for us was to win the championship, but I’m so proud of my teammates,” said the Venezuelan Olympian.

“We fought until the end, and I know from now on, they will walk with more confidence and be more disciplined because they now know that they can make it,” she said as the HD Spikers were just points away from their first title.

“Today is not for us, but I’m sure this team has a good future and I wish the best for all of them. I witnessed how they work and how dedicated they are, so I hope in the future they can get the championship.”

Written By

Just a kid from Cavite trying to make a difference.


You May Also Like

News

After years of playing on the same side of the net from high school to college at National University, Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring...

News

Cignal sustained its blazing start to the 2025 PVL On Tour, handing Creamline its first loss in dominant fashion with a stunning 25-22, 25-18,...

News

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Akari rookie Chen Tagaod savored a unique experience in her first-ever professional match during the 2025 PVL On Tour last...

News

Cignal added more firepower to its already-formidable roster, acquiring four pieces for the next Spikers’ Turf tournament. The HD Spikers, champions of the last...

News

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Heather Guino-o made an immediate impact in her debut for Cignal, relying on her familiarity with head coach Shaq Delos...

News

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Cignal sustained its fine start to the 2025 PVL On Tour, making it two consecutive victories with a commanding 25-21,...

News

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Erika Santos wasted no time making herself at home with Cignal, delivering a stellar performance in the HD Spikers’ debut...

News

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Newcomers Erika Santos and Tine Tiamzon made a strong first impression as the new-look Cignal swept Akari, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23,...

Advertisement