Jovelyn Gonzaga admitted she had difficulties readjusting to the Cignal HD Spikers' system after three years. In her first match with Cignal against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the PVL Invitational Conference, she only registered 3 points.
"Sa journey ko sa Cignal, sobrang struggle ako, 'di nila nakikita. Sa training sobrang tinutukan ako ng coaching staff kasi sobrang off-timing sa'kin. From F2 na performance ko na very evident," Gonzaga recalled to reporters on Tuesday.
"Tyinaga ako ng coaching staff. Sobrang thankful ako na 'di ko na feel na, 'Ay, ano ba 'yan?' Tiwala sila sa'kin," she added.
It was there that she made a promise.
"Aayusin ko 'to, babawi ako sa kanila. Nag-message ako, 'Pangako ko, papasok kami sa semis.'"
Against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and against the explosive Sisi Rondina, Gonzaga and the Cignal HD Spikers were running at full strength and snagged the last semifinals slot in Pool B.
This time, Gonzaga had 13 points from 10 attacks, along with 8 excellent digs and 4 excellent receptions.
This tenacity and determination was something best friend Rachel Anne Daquis had always admired.
"Grabe siya lumaban. Ilalaban niya mukha niya. Makikita mo siya, nakikipagpatayan," Daquis told One Sports' The Game before the start of the conference.
Cignal will next have to face sister team PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday, July 20, to kick off the round robin semifinals.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
(GM)