PVL: Glaudine Troncoso shows worth in first start for Cignal HD Spikers

Cigna’s Glaudine Troncoso. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Glaudine Troncoso made the most of her extended playing time for Cignal, sparking their come-from-behind five-set victory over Choco Mucho to stay unbeaten in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

The Ilongga hitter shone in her first start as an HD Spiker, posting a career-high 13 points, including the crucial hits in the fifth set, to tow the Flying Titans, 24-26, 19-25, 25-16, 25-21, 15-11, on Thursday at San Juan Arena.

“I’m thankful because I really felt the trust of my coaches and teammates,” said Troncoso in Filipino. “We trusted each other inside the court even when went down in the first two sets. With the help of our coaches, we overcame the challenges brought by Choco Mucho in the game.”

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos was hardly surprised with the breakout game of Troncoso, who was acquired by his team last January from the disbanded Sta. Lucia.

“Actually, she was part of the game plan. I’ve been telling her to be ready in the past few days because I know that she has the skills and she can contribute a lot to the team. She just needs a good exposure,” Delos Santos said in Filipino.

And the Central Philippine University standout didn’t disappoint as she stepped up when it mattered most, giving Cignal its second straight win for the early lead of the Invitationals.

“We’re really happy for her because she really helped our team. Even though she struggled a bit in (her first start), she kept on communicating with her teammates and following the advice of her Ates,” Delos Santos said.

After becoming a revelation for the HD Spikers, Troncoso relished having veteran spikers Rachel Anne Daquis and Ces Molina on her side as she vows to stay always ready to deliver for her team.

“It’s a good opportunity having them on my side. I learn a lot of things from them. They are guiding us to play mature inside the court,” said Troncoso.