Back at PH team, Gonzaga raring to perform at home in SEA Games

Jovelyn Gonzaga. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—There’s no doubt that Jovelyn Gonzaga is one of the best volleyball talents in the Philippines.

Gonzaga is out to prove it once more heading into the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Despite being hobbled by knee injuries the past two years, Gonzaga remained among the top-tier opposite hitters in the country.

In fact, Gonzaga even earned a spot on the national team, which was something that she did not expect but will always be grateful for.

“After that two-year break I never even thought that I would be back in the national team and I accepted my fate after the injury,” said Gonzaga. “Now that I’m back, I’ll give it my best because I’ve been given a chance once again.”

“I’ll give it my all to contribute to help the team and also for my family because they’ll be watching me here.”

Gonzaga, who was the captain of the 2015 SEA Games team, played for Philippine Army and Cignal in the Premier Volleyball League and the Philippine Super Liga, respectively, helping her squads make deep playoff runs.

Gonzaga earned a bronze medal with the Lady Troopers in the PVL Reinforced Conference and a silver with the HD Spikers in the PSL All-Filipino Conference.

With the Philippines hosting the regional games, Gonzaga said that will be extra special since her family will be able to be in attendance unlike the two editions which were staged in Singapore and Malaysia.

“It’s a very nice feeling because my family and friends will be able to watch the gams live. Our fellow Filipinos, our loved ones, will be here,” said Gonzaga. “Of course there’s pressure but the excitement always prevails”