Although the Cignal HD Spikers ended their campaign outside of the semifinals, captain Ces Molina found a silver lining in what would otherwise be considered a disappointing campaign in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After reaching the semifinals in the last two conferences, Cignal's campaign in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference took an unfortunate turn.
The HD Spikers fell short of reaching the semifinals, wrapping up their campaign in sixth place with a 7-4 record. This was a considerable decline from their previous showing, when Cignal finished third with an 8-3 record in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
While the setback is undeniably a tough pill to swallow, Cignal captain Ces Molina found a silver lining.
“For me siguro, ‘yung silver lining na makukuha namin dito is, until the end we fought together,” Molina said moments after Cignal ended its campaign with a rout of Capital1 on Saturday.
“As a team talaga mahirap, ang daming struggles, ang daming nangyari during the conference, individually and as a team. So, I think, ‘yung maging united pa rin kami until the end kahit na hindi kami nakapasok we stay as one.”
Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, Molina and the rest of the HD Spikers chose to own up to the results, even emphasizing that head coach Shaq Delos Santos and his deputies had fulfilled their roles effectively.
This accountability was a significant step, as it showed Cignal’s maturity and commitment to improving as a team.
“As a team, close enough, we fell short. ‘Yun nga, sinasabi ko na pagkukulang din talaga ng team, especially players talaga dahil our coaches are very helpful and very supportive pagdating sa skills namin. It’s us na, pag naglalaro talaga,” Molina admitted.
The 5-foot-9 outside hitter pointed out that the league has grown increasingly competitive. However, rather than feeling intimidated, they see it as a source of motivation. Their aim is to continually raise their standards and never settle for less in the conferences to come.
“And you know, the other teams din tumaas ‘yung level nila. The lineup also is there. So, I think ‘yung mababaon namin sa susunod na conference is hindi kami mag-settle sa kung anong meron kami, and baunin namin lahat ng mga natutunan namin and mag improve pa,” Molina said.
At the end of the day, Molina takes pride in the efforts of Cignal.
As how she put it: “Siyempre as a team captain very, very proud ako sa hardwork na binigay ng team namin this conference. Despite na hindi kami nakapasok malaking lesson ‘to and experience as well na dadalhin namin sa next conference.”