Cignal’s Jackie Acuna in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jackie Acuña has been making the most of the opportunity given by coach Shaq Delos Santos to Cignal as she helped her team stay unbeaten in three games in Pool B in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Acuña provided six of the HD Spikers’ 10 blocks to finish with 12 points in their 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 25-13 win over Capital1 on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
“Yung mindset ko lang every day is makatulong tapos tapangan ko lang,” said the former National University player. “Hindi basta basta yung mga kalaban ngayon talagang nagsstep up lahat ng teams. Nagha-hard work ako sa training tapos sumusunod lang ako sa instruction ng coaches.”
READ: PVL: MJ Perez, Cignal stay hot with win over Capital1
Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos, MJ Perez, and Jackie Acuña share their thoughts after overcoming Capital1. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ujnYifsCbL
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 27, 2024
Acuña emerged as a starter this conference with a total of 25 points including 10 blocks in three games with coach Shaq Delos Santos looking to unlock her full potential by exposing her in the import-laden tournament.
“Lahat naman ng middles namin laging merong malaking opportunity yan pagdating sa training. Balanced naman lahat ng nabibigay naming time para sa kanila. But nakikita rin namin kasi yung malaking potential ni Jackie and mas aggressive din doon sa mga galawan,” said the Cignal coach. “Gusto ko rin maexpose yung talagang potential niya kasi malaki yung matutulong niya sa team.”
Besides Acuña, Delos Santos lauded his wards for stepping up with Ces Molina, Chinchin Basas, Ria Meneses, Gel Cayuna, and Judith Abil and supporting Venezuelan import MJ Perez despite missing Alas Pilipinas players Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig as well as Jovelyn Ganzaga, who skipped the conference due to her commitment with Army.
READ: PVL: Ex-rivals Ces Molina, MJ Perez team up to power Cignal
“Siyempre nabawasan dahil grabe yung effort na ginagawa ng players namin sa team while nasa Alas yung two players namin and happy lang ako kasi sumusunod lang sila sa sistema na meron yung team,” he said. “For sure pagaaralan talaga kami ng mga teams. Mas pagbubutihin pa namin yung trabaho namin and mas aaralin namin yung mga kalaban namin.”
Cignal is set for a 2022 Reinforced finals rematch against two-time defending champion Petro Gazz on Thursday next week.
Acuña, who is turning 24 on Sunday, promises to keep working hard to repay the full trust of her team.
“Masaya po pero hanggang today lang po dapat kasi job’s not finished. Ginawa ko lang yung best ko para makatulong sa team para hindi masayang din yung tiwala na binibigay ng coaches and management,” she said.