With Cignal down to just 12 players, Jackie Acuña is making a conscious effort to manage her workload as the HD Spikers brace for a crucial stretch in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Acuña has been a steady presence for Cignal since the departures of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses. She emphasized that she remains fully locked in, prioritizing recovery by cutting back on non-volleyball activities.
“Ngayon talaga, sobrang crucial nung pagpapakundisyon namin. Nag-lock in kami — ako, personally, nag-lock in ako this conference na wala munang gala-gala,” said the middle blocker out of National University after Cignal’s four-set win over ZUS Coffee last Thursday.
“Talagang pahinga para mag-recover ‘yung body ko kasi talagang kailangan ako — kailangan ako ng team, ng mga teammates ko, ng coaches ko. So talagang ‘yung gala, after conference na lang.”
Acuña’s commitment to recovery has been paying off, as she delivered another standout performance in the HD Spikers’ 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-11 victory over the Thunderbelles at the Philsports Arena.
The 24-year-old middle blocker dominated at the net, registering a whopping six blocks to finish with 17 points.
Acuña acknowledged that she is making the most of this opportunity to step up for Cignal, knowing she has waited a long time for a moment like this to prove herself.
(C) PVL Images
“Super motivated kami kasi ilang years ito ‘yung pinagtrabahuhan namin, hinintay namin. So talagang minindset ko na every game na walang game na hindi ko ibibigay ‘yung best ko dahil ito na ‘yun,” said Acuña.
“May time ako, so gusto kong ipakita ‘yung talent ko at ano ‘yung mga naturo ng coaches and napaghirapan ko,” she added.
Determined to stay consistent and contribute to the team’s campaign, Acuña is embracing the challenge of competing in the league’s longest conference ever.
“Same mindset kung paano namin pinaghahandaan ‘yung bawat game. Bawat game inaano talaga namin ‘yung importance non na kailangan naming manalo,” she said.
“Kahit sino ‘yan, talagang ibibigay namin ‘yung all-out namin and sa last game namin, talagang gusto namin makuha ‘yun. Pagtatrabahuhan namin, makikinig lang kami sa coaches, and magtitiwala sa mga teammates.”
