Cignal’s Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga led their team to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) semifinals with a commanding victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. The duo’s stellar performance helped secure a spot in the Invitational Conference semifinals.
In a virtual do-or-die Pool B match held at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, Gonzaga and Daquis displayed their exceptional skills and teamwork, leading the HD Spikers to a straight-set win with scores of 25-15, 25-21, 25-21. Gonzaga contributed 13 points, eight digs, and four excellent receptions, while Daquis added 12 points.
Gonzaga expressed her joy at playing alongside Daquis, emphasizing the trust they have in each other’s abilities. She acknowledged that their partnership has consistently led them to the semifinals and finals, showcasing the significant impact of their collaboration. Daquis echoed Gonzaga’s sentiments, praising the entire team and coaching staff for their collective effort.
The duo, known as ‘GonzaQuis,’ previously played together for Army in the Shakey’s V-league. They achieved success in 2017, winning the Invitational title in the Philippine Superliga and reaching the All-Filipino Finals, although they fell short against F2 Logistics.
After being separated for the first two seasons of the PVL as Gonzaga played for her mother club, Army, the two teammates were reunited when the military squad chose to skip the midseason tournament. Daquis expressed her happiness at playing alongside Gonzaga again, stating that their familiarity with each other’s movements and the team’s deep roster contributed to their success.
Gonzaga also credited her former coach, Shaq Delos Santos, for always trusting her, even after missing the first conference due to her commitment to the beach volleyball national team in the Southeast Asian Games. She highlighted the importance of trust in her decision to choose Cignal and acknowledged the support she receives from both Delos Santos and Daquis.
Although Cignal will enter the semifinals round with a 0-1 record due to their first-round loss to F2 Logistics, Gonzaga and Daquis are determined to continue their winning streak. They will face PLDT on Thursday and Creamline on Saturday, with upcoming matches against Japanese team Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh. The top two teams from the semifinals will advance to the winner-take-all Final on July 30.
