Cignal’s Jovelyn Gonzaga during a game against Akari on February 24, 2024 in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jovelyn Gonzaga will not be part of Cignal’s campaign in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference due to her commitment to the Philippine Army.
Gonzaga’s name was conspicuously missing in the HD Spikers’ roster for the import-laden tournament, while Alas Pilipinas players Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig were still part of the final line-up despite their commitment to the national team.
Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos bared to Inquirer Sports that Gonzaga, an Army sergeant, won’t be available for Cignal in the midseason tournament due to her duty as a military personnel.
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“She’s busy with Army. That’s why she couldn’t commit,” Delos Santos said in Filipino.
Despite missing the veteran opposite spiker and Alas players, Cignal signed free agents Judith Abil and AJ Jingco after drafting Ishie Lalongisip last week.
Abil, who last played for Nxled, was among the 14 free agents who tried their luck during the combine, earning herself a roster spot with the HD Spikers.
Jingco last played for the defunct Gerflor, making a PVL comeback after seven months. Lalongisip, an Adamson product, is also eager to repay the HD Spikers’ trust for tapping her as their lone rookie.
READ: PVL: Jovelyn Gonzaga leads Cignal to victory despite failed semis bid
Without three starters, Delos Santos banks on Venezuelan import MJ Perez, Invitational Conference MVP Ces Molina, other wing spikers Glaudine Troncoso, Jovelyn Fernandez, and Chinchin Basas, middle blockers Ria Meneses and Rose Doria, setter Gel Cayuna, and libero Jheck Dionela.
Cignal is aiming to repeat its breakthrough PVL Finals appearance in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and rise from a sixth-place finish in the previous All-Filipino.
The HD Spikers open their campaign on Thursday against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at 6 p.m. They are grouped in Pool B with defending champion Petro Gazz, ZUS Coffee, Akari, and Capital1.
Meanwhile, two undrafted rookies, Ysabela Bakabak and Cathrine Almazan, were signed by Akari.
Nxled also signed free agent Anne Esguerra and added decorated high school coach Babes Castillo to its coaching staff.