Even in defeat, Ishie Lalongisip rose to the occasion, delivering a career-high performance for the Cignal HD Spikers in their battle against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Ishie Lalongisip delivered a standout performance for the Cignal HD Spikers during their showdown against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The rookie tallied a career-high 19 points, showing her potential in a tough match-up against the defending champions.
The HD Spikers fought hard but fell short, with the final score reading 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 on Saturday, February 1.
Despite the loss, Ishie’s impressive display didn’t go unnoticed.
When asked about her motivation for the game, Ishie shared that the sacrifices of her teammates and coaches were a key driving force.
“Ang motivation ko lang po that game against Creamline ay 'yung teammates and coaches ko po now. I know to myself kung gaano kami naghihirap at nagsa-sacrifice to prepare every game,” she said.
Facing the grand slam champions added to her determination. The atmosphere in the arena and the energy from the crowd were also motivating factors.
“Gusto ko lang din na bawat game ko is all out lalo na champion team yung makakaharap namin. Iba 'yung crowd and atmosphere kapag sila lagi ang kalaban,” she added.
Reflecting on her career-high performance, Ishie expressed pride in what she and her teammates accomplished.
“I am so happy kase nagawa and nalabas ko sa game yung pinagtratrabahuhan namin sa trainings. Sumugal lang din talaga ako and nilaban ko yung teammates and coaches ko,” she said.
Though the team didn’t get the win, she emphasized the importance of the learning experience.
“Kinapos man kami pero for me we already won kasi madaming learnings and experience na pwede ko pang madala sa mga upcoming games namin,” she continued.
Despite the pressure to fill the void left by key players Ces Molina and Riri Meneses, Ishie views the situation as an opportunity to grow.
“I am pushing myself talaga to fill in the gap sa position na vacant. I see that in a positive way naman kase and 'yun yung ginagawa kong motivation everyday to improve myself inside and outside ng court,” she explained.
Looking ahead to the remaining games in the All-Filipino Conference eliminations, Ishie’s focus is on constant improvement.
“To do more and improve more. Everyday is an opportunity to build my character and gain more knowledge in playing,” she said.
Under Coach Shaq Delos Santos’ system, she’s confident she’ll continue to grow as a player.
“I know na with the system of Coach Shaq, madame pa akong matutunan and I know na mas maggrow pa ako sa kanya,” she added.
The Cignal HD Spikers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on February 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Philsports Arena.