In a season full of uncertainty, Cignal rookie Ishie Lalongisip has stepped up in a big way, proving to be a reliable force for the HD Spikers in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Thrown into the spotlight after former team captain Ces Molina’s departure, Lalongisip embraced the challenge and quickly became a key piece in head coach Shaq Delos Santos’ system. And in Cignal’s latest victory, she delivered yet another career-best performance, further solidifying her place in the starting lineup.
The former Adamson standout erupted for 20 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing five excellent receptions to lead the HD Spikers past the Thunderbelles in four sets, 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-11, on Thursday night. With the win, Cignal improved to 7-3, tying Choco Mucho at third place as they head into their final match of the preliminary round.
Lalongisip, who was selected seventh overall in last year’s inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, has been making the most of her opportunity after being inserted into the starting six at the start of the year. Since then, she has averaged an impressive 13.3 points per game in four starts, rewarding Delos Santos’ trust with each performance.
“Matagal ko rin hinintay na magkaroon ako ng playing time and alam ko mas ma-maximize ni coach kung ano ‘yung meron ako,” Lalongisip shared. “Parang minsan hindi ko alam na nagagawa ko na pala ‘yung mga hindi ko kaya gawin before dahil sa turo ni coach Shaq.”
Despite her standout performances, the 5-foot-6 outside hitter remains grounded, drawing motivation from the relentless work ethic of her teammates.
“Yung motivation ko lang everyday is iniisip ko lang ‘yung pinagtrabahuan namin sa training,” said Lalongisip, who became the first rookie to win the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award last week.
“Kasi ayoko rin sayangin ‘yung pagod and sacrifice ng bawat isa lalo ‘yung teammates ko kasi nakikita ko rin silang naghihirap and work hard every day para makuha ‘yung panalo, so bale kumukuha lang din ako ng lakas sa teammates ko,” she added.
With one more game left in the preliminaries, Lalongisip is locked in on securing another crucial victory against Akari on Tuesday, aiming to help Cignal clinch a better standing in the qualifying round.
“Yung mindset namin sa last game is we need to get that win para advantage rin namin ‘yun for the placing sa preliminaries,” she said. “Back to training lang kami and mag-trabaho lang dahil walang ibang gagawa sa game kundi kaming players na sumusunod kay coach.”
As the playoffs loom, Lalongisip’s rise has come at the perfect time for Cignal. And if her recent performances are any indication, she’s just getting started.
