Gonzaga’s return is not all rainbows and butterflies.
Jovelyn Gonzaga’s badass monicker conjures images of invincibility (and even the Terminator). The Bionic Ilongga has proven time and time again what relentless drive can achieve.
Nothing less is expected of Gonzaga in her return to the Cignal HD Spikers after three years. The lefty opposite hitter is touted as the missing link to Cignal’s championship drive.
Gonzaga, however, admits she’s going through a transition period, coming off the sands from her stint with the Philippine beach volleyball team.
"Kailangan siya talagang i-consider. Transition from beach volley to indoor, ang hirap talaga,” Gonzaga told One Sports’ The Game.
She is also taking into consideration her age and injury history. The 31-year-old is a walking inspiration after successfully recovering from a career-altering ACL injury.
"Challenging since may history ako, ‘di ba? Injury. So hindi talaga siya pwedeng isantabi,” she said.
"And, aging. Charot. Lumalabas na ‘yan, ‘di ba?”
The Cignal veteran shared that she didn’t jump during her first training sessions with the HD Spikers to ease her comeback.
"First three days ng training ko, hindi pa ako tumatalon. Inalalayan din ako ng coaching staff. Conditioning, kung paano ulit ma-feel. Today lang din ako solid na talon.”
Gonzaga has less than a month to whip herself back to indoor shape as Cignal targets another podium finish and the franchise's first PVL title in the Invitational Conference.
Perhaps her fit best bud, Rachel Anne Daquis, can also help her get to peak Bionic Ilongga shape.
(GM)