Despite all the heartbreaks she experienced these past two PVL conferences, MJ Perez is still thankful to have been given another opportunity to play in the Philippines.
In a thrilling finale of the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference, MJ Perez again showed why she’s one of the most talented volleyball imports in Philippine volleyball.
Perez finished with a game-high and a PVL finals record of 42 points.
But it was not enough to secure a victory for the Cignal HD Spikers, who fell short in a five-set battle against the Creamline Cool Smashers, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13.
The loss marks Cignal's second consecutive defeat in the finals, but for Perez, the experience goes beyond the scoreboard.
Despite the heartache, Perez, who was named as of one of the two Best Outside Hitters in the conference, remains proud of her team and admired the HD Spikers' growth throughout the season.
"Of course, we’re sad because the main target for us was to win the [championship], but I’m so proud of my teammates," said Perez during her exit interview. "We fought until the end, and I know from now, they have to walk more and be more disciplined because they now know that they can make it."
The final showdown was indeed a rollercoaster of emotions for Perez.
The 36-year-old import, ever the competitor, believed deeply in Cignal’s chances against Creamline.
Leading 2-1 in the final, the HD Spikers simply couldn’t put away the Cool Smashers, ultimately falling in the winner-take-all fifth set by just two points.
"From the bottom of my heart, I knew that we were gonna win. But as I said before, it wasn’t for us; there’s so little difference. Creamline showed good volleyball today, and they knew how to move their pieces,” said Perez.
Prior to this PVL season, it took a while before volleyball fans got to see Perez back in action in the Philippines.
Having experienced the love and support from Filipino supporters, returning to play in the Philippines was not just a professional decision for Perez; it was personal.
The Venezuelan spiker had experienced championships with the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL). She had hoped to do the same with the HD Spikers, who have taken home a record five bronze medals in the PVL.
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Despite contemplating retirement, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to return to the country.
"To play in the Philippines for me has been very special since I came here. I really love to play here because of the fans, the people," said Perez.
"When this opportunity came out, I didn’t have to think too much. I said yes, this is my time to come back, see my friends, and feel volleyball again in the Philippines,” Cignal’s import added.
As for what’s next, Perez has hinted at a new chapter in her career.
"Before, I was thinking that it’s time to retire with my age and everything, but after this challenge here, I feel good, and offers came," Perez revealed, adding that Europe appears to be her next destination but has yet to sign an official contract.
While a PVL title continues to elude the HD Spikers, Perez believes the team's future is bright.
“Today is not for us, but I’m sure this team has a good future and I wish the best for all of them. I witnessed how they work and how dedicated they work so I hope in the future they can get the championship,” said Perez.