Ishie Lalongisip says battling in PVL play-in a ‘blessing in disguise’ for Cignal

Cignal may be taking the longer route, but Ishie Lalongisip could only see the positives in her team's situation.

 The No. 3 HD Spikers suffered a stunning loss to 10th-seeded Galeries Tower in the qualifying round last week, with their foe heading to the quarterfinals instead.

 Cignal then found itself fighting for the last two spots in the Last Eight in the two-pool, single round-robin play-in tournament.

 “Inisip naming blessing in disguise itong pagpasok namin sa play-in para need pa naming maglaro para ma-improve and mag-jell pa 'yung team namin,” said Lalongisip.

That improvement was quickly seen in the HD Spikers' bounce-back win over Capital1, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, Thursday, March 6.

[RELATED STORY: Cignal dismisses Capital1 for winning start to PVL All-Filipino play-in]

 Lalongisip provided additional firepower with her 15 points, highlighted by three aces. She also had 10 excellent receptions.

 Leading the way for Cignal was Vanie Gandler (21 points) followed by Rose Doria-Aquino (18).

Ishie Lalongisip of the Cignal HD Spikers swings an attack against Capital1 Solar Spikers' Norielle Ipac in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

 While it may not always be smooth sailing, the HD Spikers would still choose to be optimistic, added Lalongisip.

 “Even may mga negative na nangyayari, we’re always looking on the brighter side of the situation,” she said.

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 Head coach Shaq Delos Santos echoed her ward’s sentiment, saying that Cignal's setback to the Highrisers will prove beneficial to the team along the way.

 “Napakagandang blessing ito dahil ito talaga ‘yung kailangan namin and babaunin namin kung saan man kami dalhin,” Delos Santos added.

 Cignal looks to hurdle another foe in Zus Coffee on Tuesday, March 11.