PVL: Delos Santos hopes to have Molina, others back for Cignal in semis

CIgnal coach Shaq Delos Santos huddles up his players during the HD Spikers’ game against the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference in San Juan. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos bared Ces Molina’s right ankle injury is “not too serious” as he expects his top scorer along with Rachel Anne Daquis, and four other players in health and safety protocols to come back in time for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals.

The HD Spikers were down to eight players but still put up a gallant stand against the PLDT High Speed Hitters in a 19-25, 20-25, 25-21, 22-25 loss on Saturday at San Juan Arena.

Molina was cheering at the bench with a walking boot due to the ankle sprain she sustained in last Tuesday’s four-set loss to Petro Gazz, while Daquis and Jerrili Malabanan are in health and safety protocols joining Ayel Estranero, Chai Troncoso, and Rose Doria.

An injured Ces Molina on the bench during Cignal’s game against PLDT in the PVL Invitational Conference. PVL PHOTO

Delos Santos said Molina might play if they will have a game on Tuesday as she is just wearing a walking boot for extra precaution.

“She is recovering. Hopefully, in God’s will, she can play on Tuesday if ever we have a game. Her injury is not too serious. She just needs support on her ankle but she’s okay. Although she is still feeling the pain. Hopefully, by Tuesday she will be good to go,” said Delos Santos in Filipino.

Estranero, Doria, and Troncoso will rejoin the team on Sunday after missing the game last Tuesday, while Daquis and Malabanan are expected to be cleared by Wednesday.

“Hopefully, everyone will stay healthy. Because missing a lot of players is really hard for us. But our team accepted it in a positive way. We just have to be strong and keep on fighting,” he said.

Delos Santos lauded his eight available players especially Marist Layug after going straight to the game after her graduation at University of the Philippines. She arrived in the second set and contributed five points.

“We’re happy that Marist stayed committed even on her graduation day. She even asked her professor and organizer if she can leave right after her name is called,” he said. “Performance-wise, I’m pleased how my players remained focused despite the circumstances we encounter. They kept on fighting and made the most of their opportunity to play the whole game.”

Cignal will play another round-robin with other semifinalists Creamline, PLDT, Army Black Mamba, Kobe Shinwa University of Japan, and KingWhale Taipei.