SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — The 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference saw contrasting performances from two standout imports.
Erica Staunton, the youngest player at 23 years old, led Creamline to victory and clinched the championship.
Meanwhile, the oldest reinforcement, 36-year-old MJ Perez of Cignal, earned the Best Foreign Guest Player award.
Despite her age, Perez demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the conference.
The Venezuelan import accumulated 229 points, ranking seventh in aces with an average of 0.26 per set and ninth in spiking with a 34.38 percent success rate.
“It’s only a number,” Perez remarked.
“I’m very happy, of course. I didn’t expect that award because I only try my best to help my team win and contribute as much as I can,” added the 6-foot-2 wing spiker.
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While Cignal’s performance in the Reinforced Conference culminated in another bronze finish – their fifth overall – Perez feels determined to lead her team to greater success in the upcoming Invitational Conference.
The HD Spikers began the Invitational with a commanding 25-16, 25-10, 25-18 victory over Farm Fresh at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex on Friday.
“We may have lost our chance in the Reinforced Conference, but we have another opportunity now,” said Perez.
“We will do our best, even though the schedule is tough with games almost every day.”
The Invitational Conference features a week-long round-robin format with teams including Cignal, Farm Fresh, Creamline, and guest teams Kurashiki and Est Cola.
The top two teams will advance to a one-off Final, while the third and fourth-ranked teams will compete for bronze.
The tight schedule means games are scheduled closely together, with the HD Spikers set to play again on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and potentially Thursday if they advance to the medal round.
“We have to manage our fatigue and physical condition,” Perez noted.
“It’s all about mindset, and we will do our best to achieve the best result in this Invitational.”
