In the wake of two consecutive losses that shattered their dreams of championship glory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, Gel Cayuna and her determined squad, the Cignal HD Spikers, are refusing to back down.
With their eyes set firmly on the prize, they are prepared to give it their all in the quest for the elusive bronze medal.
The HD Spikers find themselves still in contention for the third-place spot as they gear up to face Vietnam's Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in their Thursday matchup.
And fight they did, showcasing their mettle as they swiftly dismantled the Vietnamese guest squad with an impressive 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 victory, securing their spot in the battle for third place, scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Awaiting their challenger for the bronze medal match, the resilient team is steadfast in their resolve, regardless of the opponent that stands in their way. Gel Cayuna, the talented playmaker from Far Eastern University, exuded confidence as she reflected on their triumph over Bac Ninh.
"I'm happy because in the past few days, we were able to rest, and we really worked hard to win this game because we no longer have the right to lose in order to secure the bronze," said Cayuna, emphasizing the team's commitment to clinching the third-place position.
Their unwavering determination is evident in their relentless pursuit of victory, with Cayuna orchestrating the team's attack against Kinh Bac with 23 excellent sets and contributing five crucial points to their triumph. Under the guidance of head coach Shaq Delos Santos, the HD Spikers are poised to give their all for the upcoming match, fortified by a day of rest and recovery after enduring the grueling compact schedule of the conference.
"What we need is just recovery, and then we'll practice well because tomorrow we'll find out who our opponent will be, so right after that, we'll have one day of training," shared Delos Santos, emphasizing the team's focus on preparing for the unknown opponent that awaits them.
Confidence and readiness exude from the team as they approach the bronze medal clash, with the head coach expressing faith in their capabilities.
"The team is ready, we just need good recovery and a mindset that we have to prepare well," Delos Santos stated, underscoring the importance of both physical recovery and mental preparation.
The Cignal HD Spikers have demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, weathering the storm of setbacks and heartbreaks. Despite falling short of the ultimate championship title, their unwavering spirit and determination to claim the bronze medal prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the volleyball arena.
As Sunday approaches, volleyball enthusiasts and supporters alike eagerly anticipate the clash between Cignal and their determined opponent, whether it be the fierce F2 Logistics or the formidable PLDT.
The HD Spikers have proven their tenacity, and with their eyes locked firmly on the podium, they are all set to deliver a captivating showdown and fight for glory in the upcoming bronze medal match.
