Buding Duremdes provided her reliable defense and leadership in her debut for the Cignal HD Spikers during their four-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
Buding Duremdes officially made her debut for the Cignal HD Spikers in their four-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Duremdes was announced by the HD Spikers just yesterday, and though she did not appear in the stat sheets, the veteran libero proved to be a key addition already to the team.
After the match, head coach Shaq Delos Santos is excited to have Duremdes on board Cignal, admitting it took some time to bring in his former player at Far Eastern University.
“Well, to be honest kasi, matagal ‘yung naging proseso nito bago mangyari siya but siguro may right time para sa lahat ng bagay. So, good thing natuloy na rin and we’re so happy na na-grab niya ‘yung opportunity na pumunta sa Cignal,” Delos Santos said during the post-game press conference.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Buding Duremdes excited to team up with 'idol' Dawn Macandili-Catindig in Cignal]
With the addition of Duremdes, Delos Santos was able to use Judith Abil in her natural position as a spiker after utilizing her as a libero during the 2024 Reinforced and Invitational Conference.
The move seemingly gave the undermanned HD Spikers additional leadership and firepower—and more importantly, some sense of relief for Delos Santos having Duremdes and Dawn Macandili-Catindig
“Ang position niya [Abil] talaga samin is service specialist eh which is nung fourth set, siya talaga nag-create nung maraming puntos at maraming service,” Delos Santos added.
“Siyempre, hindi naman sa parang maging komportable ako pero alam mo ‘yung ito ‘yung dalawang libero mo na alam mo pag nilagay mo sa loob ng court, sa training, magde-deliver."
Ces Molina led the way for Cignal with 13 points, while Vanie Gandler and Riri Meneses had 12 points apiece.
Macandili-Catindig had 23 excellent digs and six excellent receptions, earning Player of the Game honors. Gel Cayuna added nine points and 20 excellent sets.
Ara Galang put up 13 points to lead Chery Tiggo. Seth Rodriguez and Princess Robles had 12 each, while Mary Rhose Dapol had 10 in the loss.
The HD Spikers will go for its third-straight win next Thursday, Nov. 28 as they go up against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.