The key to the Cignal HD Spikers' win? The pursuit of happiness.
For their third match in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the Cignal HD Spikers took cue from the mantra that team captain Rachel Anne Daquis yells at every huddle, "Happiness, Cignal!"
After a high of winning a silver medal in last year's Reinforced Conference with import Tai Bierria, the Cignal HD Spikers found themselves crawling at the bottom of the all-local edition of the tournament at 0-2. Both were straight set losses against champions Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Creamline Cool Smashers.
But Cignal was able to find its groove again in taking on young squad Akari Chargers on Tuesday, 25-23, 25-20, 25-14.
"Napakalaking impact nito sa team. High morale, sumasaya 'yung team, nag-eenjoy," Daquis said after the match. "Yun lang din 'yung siguro nakita kong kulang sa amin last time. Sa sobrang seryoso, gustong fierce na talagang manalo, 'di effective sa amin yun."
"Binalik namin yung happiness. Nakita niyo naman na very effective."
After making only six points in their opening match against Chery and was forced to just three against Creamline, RAD was able to bounce back and lead her squad with 11 points, coming off eight attacks and three blocks.
It was a welcome respite for outside hitter Ces Molina, who was the only person who consistently scored in double digits in their first two outings.
Setter Gel Cayuna was also able to distribute the offense with her 21 excellent sets, allowing Glaudine Troncoso, Roselyn Doria, Toni Rose Basas, and Ria Meneses to attack as well.
For Daquis, their two losses were a welcome challenge to address their problems early in the conference.
"It's not a microwave mentality na everything is instant. Walang instant. Kailangan pinaghihirapan," she said.
Now that they have secured their first win on Valentine's Day, Coach Shaq delos Santos says he would let his team enjoy the rest of the night before heading back to practice ahead of the match against the Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday.
Daquis though prefers to spend the night at home and get some much-needed sleep, "Forda rest muna ang ferson ngayon. Lilipas din 'yan. So enjoy, self-love."