Bringing in almost an entirely new team in the ongoing Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, the Cignal HD Spikers are currently on a roll after winning their first three games at the expense of defending champion Petron, Philips Gold and Meralco.
And head coach Sam Acaylar is all praises for his team’s character in their latest string of victories.
“Maybe, ang team ko lang talaga is full of confidence, full of patience during games and hindi sila nararattle kapag natatalo kami [in some sets],” Acaylar remarked. “I told them na patience is a virtue always during the games.”
Looking at their current roster, the team has 9 new faces this Grand Prix, with only 4 players remaining of their All-Filipino Conference lineup. But despite sporting a newer look, many teams have now noticed that the team’s confidence and patience in games is different compared to their earlier conference. They may not be as stacked as the other teams participating, but they have found ways to win games.
“Lahat naman ng teams malalakas iyan. They have good imports and local players,” Acaylar remarked. “What I did lang during our practice [is that] I want my players to be patient during training and they have to enjoy everything na gagawin namin. They have to accept it in a positive way.”
Also, Cignal’s imports Arielle Usher and Amanda Anderson have been huge additions to the team. They have given the necessary offense-defense punch that a PSL teams needs to thrive in the import-laden Grand Prix. Acaylar noted that his imports’ attitude and team-first approach makes Cignal play smoothly and united.
“They have a positive attitude and they are very much approachable. They told me na they’re here for the game, for Superliga,” he added. “They don’t have this attitude inside the court and outside the court. They’re good.”
Now, with the team sending out a strong message to league, the pressure is on them to sustain their high level of play. Moreover, Acaylar further said his team’s positive attitude has been enough to overcome the team’s shortcomings. As any team should, they just have to enjoy the game in order for them to not feel any pressure in battling tougher opposing teams.
“My players didn’t play fully stressed and [showed] no [signs of] pressure. I said they have to play as one team, to contribute and enjoy the game,” Acaylar shared. “Everytime na na-pressure ka you cannot go so ganoon ang ginagawa nila. Ang diskarte ko lang, relax lang at gawa lang ng set play.”
For their next game, Cignal is set to face the Foton Tornadoes this coming Thursday, 6:15 pm, at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
