Despite adjusting to a new role, Judith Abil shone brightly for the Cignal HD Spikers, as they took down the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in straight sets in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
In a dominant performance by the Cignal HD Spikers, free agent signing Judith Abil emerged as a key player in their sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16.
Abil showcased her skills as a converted libero, delivering an impressive 15 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. This solidified her starting role for the HD Spikers, who will be without Dawn Macandili-Cantindig due to Alas Pilipinas commitments.
After the match, Abil immediately expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her transition to the libero position.
"Thank you sa coaches, sa teammates ko na nagtiwala sa'kin. Kasi ‘yung transition hindi madali. Pero sa tulong din ng coaches and teammates, madali trabaho ko," Abil said during the post-game press conference.
Reflecting on her journey to joining Cignal, Abil shared her experience from the free agent combine.
"‘Yung sa free agent combine, nag-try lang ako magpasa sa email then pumunta ako ng Day 1. Kinontact ako nila coach na mag-try out dun sa Team Cignal, ‘yun nagtuloy-tuloy na,” said Abil.
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As a former wing spiker, Abil acknowledged the challenges and adjustments needed to excel in her new role but remained ready as ever to improve her skills.
"Sa wing spiker, nandun naman ‘yung kailangan mag-receive ka, mag-dig ka, so hindi sobrang hirap pero hindi din siya sobrang madali,” said Abil.
“Kailangan talaga si ate Dawn tinitignan ko paano maglaro, si Kath Arado. Kung ano ‘yung ginagalaw, inoobserve ko lang din para ma-apply ko sa training, ma-apply ko sa laro. Marami pa akong kulang, kailangan pa mag-push talaga,” she added.
Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, who gave the green light to sign Abil, lauded her significant contributions and potential as a libero.
"Hindi naman kaila sa'tin lahat ‘yung kagandahan ni Judith nagdala diyan," delos Santos jokingly said.
"While ongoing ‘yung practice namin, ang ganda ng performance. Pero mas nakikita ko, grabe ‘yung floor defense niya saka ‘yung receive. Every tuneup namin gagamitin ko sa service hanggang parang sabi ko, 'Malaki ng potential niya for libero,' which is ‘yun din kailangan namin ma-improve,” he explained.
Delos Santos also praised Abil's attitude and work ethic, emphasizing her impact on the team.
"Grabe ‘yung puhunan niya eh, hindi lang skills eh. Jolly siya and then yung pagiging aggressive niya. ‘Yung talagang all out siya pag training. Hindi siya ‘yung tipong mahihiya kasi bago,” said delos Santos.
"Isa ‘yun kasi sa hinahanap namin sa players na kailangan may onting kulit na alam namin pag trumabaho, grabe galaw. Bukod sa kagandahan niya, ibang level ang performance niya,” he added.
With Abil’s impressive debut as a libero, Cignal HD Spikers have found an asset in their lineup. As the Reinforced Conference progresses, Abil’s continued development and contributions will be crucial for Cignal’s title aspirations.