HD Spikers graceful in defeat

MANILA, Philippines — With a newly-crowned MVP in its fold and a runner-up finish in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, the Cignal HD Spikers left the Smart Araneta Coliseum Thursday with their heads held high.

Coach Shaq delos Santos said the silver-medal finish against Creamline was worth all the sacrifices – and worth remembering.

“’Yung silver sobrang laking achievement na sa amin ito. Magiging strength namin ito to improve,” he said.

A bigger consolation, he added, came when Vanie Gandler was crowned MVP. Delos Santos then brushed aside any uncertainty regarding the team’s future.

“Right now hindi pa namin masabi kung ano ang mangyayari. Hintayin namin ‘yung advice ng management,” he said.

“Hopefully makapag-perform kami ng maayos,” Delos Santos added.

Cignal also molded another MVP in Erika Santos in last year’s PVL on Tour. “Happy pa din kami na nakarating kami sa finals,” she said.

There was no bitterness on the face of the seasoned coach despite being swept by Creamline in the finals.

All he wants, for now, is for the HD Spikers to get better – no matter what the future holds.

“We’re hoping,” he said.