Cignal HD Spikers celebrate during a PVL preseason win over Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO
It looks like familiarity will be Cignal’s main weapon this season.
After a successful stint in the PVL On Tour in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the HD Spikers have something to build on as they chase glory under a new coach and a sprinkle of new players.
“It’s easier to adjust, especially since most of us from Cignal came from FEU, and it’s also Coach Shaq’s program. So it hasn’t been too hard to adapt,” said Heather Guino-o on Monday after a 25-21, 25-22, 25-16 win over Capital1 at Chavit Coliseum.
Guino-o was referring to her reunion with Far Eastern University teammates and former college coach Shaq Delos Santos with the team.
Coming off the bench, the veteran wing spiker delivered seven points including two blocks, embracing the system she once played for in the UAAP and reconnecting to her fellow Lady Tamaraws Gel Cayuna, Gyzelle Sy and Buding Duremdes.
Delos Santos, meanwhile, benefited from that familiarity as it helped newcomers Guino-o, Erika Santos, Tin Tiamzon, Jessa Ordiales, Erin Pangilinan, Ethan Arce and Pearl Denura blend in as the HD Spikers won their first two matches in Pool B.
“Right now, our in-game decisions and strategies are more flexible because we have more options,” said Delos Santos. “The impact of the new players is huge. Even for our setters, it’s easier for them to distribute the ball because everyone is capable of scoring, whether it’s a power hit, a cut shot, or whatever style.”
“But we still have to maximize what we have, because we know there’s a lot we still need to improve. The competition will only get tougher.“
Guino-o vows to stay ready for Cignal as they battle Creamline next on July 1 at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“Coach Shaq reminded us that we always have to be ready. Whatever the team lacks, we need to step up and fill in,” she said.
Off to Batangas
Cayuna, who finished with 21 excellent sets, said the newcomers have adjusted somewhat to the Cignal scheme of things and the four-time best setter awardee is hoping things will continue to get better.
“I’m happy we’re playing cohesively even if there are a lot of newcomers,” she said.
Meanwhile, the PVL On Tour swings to Batangas City this weekend with Choco Mucho battling Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Batangas City Sports Center, followed by All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz testing Nxled’s retooled roster at 6:30 p.m.
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On Sunday, the Angels take on the Highrisers at 4 p.m., while the Flying Titans square off with the Chameleons at 6:30 p.m. INQ