Jewel Encarnacion embraces a fresh challenge with the Cignal Super Spikers, eager to grow and compete alongside the team's veteran core in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
After a breakout run with the Galeries Tower Highrisers, Jewel Encarnacion is turning a new page in her volleyball journey.
This time, Encarnacion is set to join the Cignal Super Spikers for the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The 24-year-old spiker, who emerged as one of Galeries Tower’s key scorers in past conferences, said her decision to join Cignal was driven by a desire for growth and a new learning experience.
“Personally, I decided to take on a new journey and see where this experience will take me and how this experience will also shape me as a player,” Encarnacion shared in a Cignal interview.
Encarnacion, the 15th overall pick of the 2024 PVL Draft, made her mark for the Highrisers during the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Since then, the former University of the Philippines standout has been a reliable option for Galeries Tower despite their struggles in the league.
But now moving into a team stacked with outside hitters such as Vanie Gandler, Ishie Lalongisip, Tin Tiamzon, and Heather Guino’o, Encarnacion welcomes the challenge as a chance to elevate her game.
“I want to bring myself into that competitive state, on that conditioned level. Of course, I’ll take this as both an opportunity and a challenge to learn from my co-outside hitters,” she said.
“I think it's really a nice and healthy competition na naghahataakan kami lahat pata. So, 'yun, just trying to keep a positive mind and a competitive one as well to bring Cignal to its goal.”
[ALSO READ: Eva Chantava joins forces with Cignal HD Spikers for PVL Reinforced Conference]
Beyond the competitive environment, Encarnacion is also thrilled to team up with veteran setter Gel Cayuna and libero Dawn Catindig, whose experience she believes will help her evolve further.
“Siyempre, as a defender din, gustong-gusto ko makita kung paano maglaro si ate Dawn, kung ano yung mga tricks of her sleeve, kung paano siya pumosisyon kasi I also wanna be like her. I wanna be a strong defender din,” she shared.
“Of course, kay ate Gel naman, sobrang excited ako na ma-discover kung ano ‘yung mga pwede naming gawing plays inside the court.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Gel Cayuna expects even better connection with Erika Santos for Cignal]
Encarnacion is expected to be present for the Super Spikers’ opening match in the Reinforced Conference when they take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Monday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.