Shaq delos Santos is a visionary coach.
His vision revolves around building a complete team, ready to face the challenges of the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
As the conference unfolds, the HD Spikers are gearing up for an impressive performance in the competition.
Their journey began with an opening match that left fans eagerly awaiting their next move.
However, Cignal took to the court without some of their key players, most notably Rachel Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Gelai Nunag.
Daquis, an essential part of the team, was in the United States, participating in a coaching camp before the conference. This opportunity holds the promise of bringing valuable knowledge and experience back to the squad.
Gonzaga and Nunag, on the other hand, had commitments to the Philippine Army. Their situations are unique and not straightforward.
Coach Delos Santos explained, "Jov (Gonzaga) and Gelai Nunag have different matters to attend to in the Army."
However, the absence of these three players did not dampen the HD Spikers' spirit.
They defeated their sister team, PLDT, in four sets, displaying exceptional talent and teamwork. Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, and Gel Cayuna, the dependable veterans, carried the team's banner while Daquis, Gonzaga, and Nunag were absent. They received strong support from their teammates, including Chin Basas, Vanie Gandler, Jackie Acuna, and Bia General.
Delos Santos remains determined to reunite the complete HD Spikers squad as soon as possible.
With each game, anticipation continues to build. Their next challenge will be against the defending champion Creamline and it promises to be an electrifying encounter. Cignal's destiny awaits them on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Batangas, and fans can hardly contain their excitement.
As they approach their match against Choco Mucho, scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the journey continues.
Delos Santos maintains his optimism, saying, "But let's see in our next game, we pray that they will be okay this coming Saturday."
