PVL: Judith Abil shines as libero for Cignal in return to the pros

Judith Abil plays libero for Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Three weeks ago, Judith Abil was just trying her luck during the free agents’ combine as she chased her dream to return to the PVL.

Fast forward to the present day, the free agent found her new home and thrived in her new position as the libero of the Cignal HD Spikers, who stunned Choco Mucho in straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16, in the 2024 Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at Philsports Arena.

Filling in for seasoned libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Abil emerged as the Player of the Game with 15 digs and eight excellent receptions.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference 

“I need to embrace the position the coaches gave me and trust myself. I shouldn’t have any doubts,” said Abil, who last played for Nxled last year. “Thanks to the coaches and teammates who trusted me because the transition wasn’t easy, but with their help, the job became easier.”

The University of the East product admitted she is not used to the libero position having been a scorer for her previous squad. But she studied the game of Catindig and even her college teammate Kath Arado, who is now PLDT’s captain libero.

Abil attended the first day of the combine, then got a chance to try out when the Cignal coaching staff saw her and asked to train with the squad.

Judith Abil during the PVL Draft Combine. –PVL PHOTO

She had three training days to prove herself and ended up impressing Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos with her floor defense and service.

“She has great potential as a libero because that’s also where we need to improve. She invests a lot, not just in skills. She’s jolly and aggressive, and she gives her all in training. She’s not shy just because she’s new,” said Delos Santos, who gambled on Abil in the absence of Catindig, who is with Alas Pilipinas with Vanie Gandler.

Judith Abil on her PVL return. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/phQJL3WCTz

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 18, 2024

“I told her, that’s one of the qualities we look for in a player because we need someone who has a bit of spunk and can work hard. Her performance is on another level, as you have seen. ”

READ: PVL veteran free agent Judith Abil hopes to land roster spot

Coach Delos Santos urges their new libero to keep working hard as Cignal continues its Pool B campaign against ZUS Coffee on Tuesday next week.

“We’re not going to base everything on just one game; this is only our first game, and a lot can still happen. For sure, the other teams we face will prepare even more,” he said.

Abil promises to work harder now that she’s realized her dream of returning to the pros.

“Just keep working hard in training. There’s still a lot missing, so I’ll double my effort in every training session to help the team,” she said.