The Venezuelan import finished the Reinforced Conference fourth in scoring, tenth in spiking efficiency, and seventh in service aces.
As another batch of talented imports took part in the recently concluded Reinforced Conference, MJ Perez stood out the most and bagged the Best Foreign Player award.
But in the humblest way possible, Perez credited her teammates for the newest milestone in her decorated overseas volleyball career.
“It means a lot for me and thanks to my teammates who supported me because without them, I could not get this award,” Perez told reporters after Cignal’s winning start in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference after dismissing the Farm Fresh Foxies.
The Venezuelan import beat the likes of Akari’s Oly Okaro, Creamline’s Erica Staunton and Capital1’s super scorer in Marina Tushova to win the award.
Perez played a pivotal role in leading Cignal to a 7-1 record in the preliminaries en route to their fifth bronze medal finish in franchise history after beating the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
And just days after that, the 36-year-old picked up where she left off with a 16-point outing to give Cignal a winning start in the season-ending tournament.
“I’m very happy. I didn't expect that because I tried my best to help my team win and I try to contribute as much as I can,“ Perez expressed.
Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos has nothing but praise for his import, who is set to finish her Cignal debut in the one-week Invitational Conference.
“Sobrang proud and happy and I’m sure sobrang marami pa siyang maitutulong sa ilang days namin na paglalaro and kailangan lang namin ma-balance kung ano ‘yung kailangan niya,” Delos Santos said.
“Knowing her talaga, before pa namin siya kunin sa team ng Cignal, alam namin kung gaano kalaki yung maitutulong niya sa team.”
Still, Perez and Delos Santos are hoping for a better finish for Cignal this time as the HD Spikers aim for their first-ever title.
“We will do our best even though it’s very hard because it’s everybody’s game. We have to deal with tiredness and our worries but it’s all about mindset and we will do our best to get the best result in this Invitational [Conference],” Perez said.
“Malaki pa ‘yung chance na mabawi namin yung nawala and talagang kailangan naming paghirapan talaga,” Delos Santos.