PVL: Gel Cayuna redeems self to lead Cignal’s bounce-back win

Cignal setter Gel Cayuna.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Gel Cayuna learned the hard way when Cignal absorbed its first loss to Choco Mucho in straight sets last week in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The reigning PVL best setter came out with a vengeance as she orchestrated the offense of Cignal’s dominant 25-7, 25-16, 25-16 rout of the winless Strong Group Athletics, dishing out 21 excellent sets and dropping five points built on two blocks, two kills, and an ace on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“Siyempre po pinanghuhugutan din namin yung last game namin na natalo kami. Sa ilang araw na binigay sa amin na preparation, talagang si coach Shaq [Delos Santos], tinutukan niya ako about setting at decision-making,” said Cayuna.

Cayuna admitted she lacked composure in their previous game, where she was outdueled by Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba, who had 19 excellent sets on top of four points against her 13 excellent sets and six points. 

“Yung tapang sa loob ng court kasi pag may isang nawala, talagang sunud-sunod na yung nawawala, kaya kailangan naming panghawakan talaga pag may isang nawala, may isang pupuno. Hindi siya pababa kung hindi hatakan pataas,” she said.

“Si Mars, F2 Logistics pa naman, kitang-kita naman natin na kayang-kaya niya talaga dalhin yung Choco Mucho. Magaling kaya wala, parehas kaming dalawa magtatrabaho. Sa side ko, hindi rin ako titigil magtrabaho para maganda yung takbo ng team.”

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho sweeps Cignal to stay unbeaten at 4-0

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos shared his frustration during their first loss of the season after their preparation went for naught. 

“To be honest, talagang nakakasama ng loob, parang hindi namin na-deliver nang maayos yung mga plano namin. Ang ganda nung game plan, but mas tiningnan namin yung other side,” Delos Santos said.

“Yung respect talaga sa kalaban. Sisi Rondina, si Kat Tolentino, and other spikers nila, kahit ma-stop mo sila, gagawa sila ng way hangga’t makapuntos sila. At least na-realize namin na kulang pa rin talaga yung ensayo at preparation and yun yung wake-up call sa amin na ang dami pa rin talagang kulang. Tatrabahuin naming mabuti.”

After regaining their winning ways with a 4-1 record, Cayuna hopes to sustain their momentum and even play at a higher level when they face defending champion Creamline on Holy Tuesday.

“Siyempre kasi panimula ulit ito na panalo, kaya hopefully talaga, lahat ng aaralin pa namin, simula sa itong panalo na to hanggang sa next game, mai-apply namin sa game lahat,” Cayuna said. “Dapat healthy muna kami at kundisyon yung katawan. Ibang bakbakan mangyayari next game.”