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.
(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.
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.”
