With his older brother JP Bugaoan sidelined by severe cramps, Martin Bugaoan stepped up to provide a crucial spark off the bench late in Cignal’s five-set triumph over rival Criss Cross in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference last Sunday.
The HD Spikers’ captain had to be stretchered off the court midway through the fifth set after collapsing in pain following a service attempt, as the cramps intensified, reaching his abdominal area. JP was later taken to the nearest hospital for further evaluation and IV fluids.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Although he initially struggled to focus, Martin managed to calm his nerves and made solid contributions for Cignal, who was striving to close out the determined King Crunchers in the decisive set.
“May konti na parang pinanghihinaan ako ng loob kasi kuya ko ‘yun eh,” said the Far Eastern University product.
“Medyo ‘yung focus ko hindi masyado nakatuon sa game nung una, pero nung nandon na ako, nakakapag-deliver na ako. Doon ko nakuha ‘yung one hundred percent na focus ko sa game.”
The younger Bugaoan soared up for an emphatic block against the rampaging Jude Garcia, putting the HD Spikers ahead by four points at 12-8. He then set the team at match point with a quick hit a couple of plays later before Mark Calado sealed the victory.
Cignal, which nearly squandered a 2-0 lead against Criss Cross, ultimately won with scores of 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11, improving its record to 3-1.
“Nung nag-cramps siya, since kanina pa naman nung third set, ang nasa mindset ko parang ako kasi gustong-gusto ko rin pumasok. Gusto ko ring maglaro. Wala akong pressure na naramdaman nung ako ‘yung pinasok kasi ang nasa isip ko mag-perform at ibigay ‘yung best ko,” Martin explained.
The rookie middle blocker expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff for trusting his abilities and allowing him to step up in his injured brother’s absence.
“Satisfying po ‘yung feeling kasi ‘yun nga, pinagkakatiwalaan din ako ng coaches. Since nag-cramps ‘yung isang Bugaoan, ako ‘yung pinasok. Ang nasa mindset ko lang is gagawin ko ‘yung best ko, mag-all out lang sa laro.”
