Picked seventh by the Cignal HD Spikers in the inaugural PVL Draft, Ishie Lalongisip is finally making waves in the league.
The talent has always been there for Ishie Lalongisip, having shown her potential in the UAAP with the Adamson Lady Falcons.
For that alone, the Cignal HD Spikers decided to snap her up with the seventh pick in the inaugural PVL Draft.
While it took some time for her to find her minutes in the league, Lalongisip may have finally arrived just in time for the depleted HD Spikers.
Following the sudden departure of Ces Molina and Riri Menses, the 23-year-old outside hitter has been on a tear after putting up consecutive double-digit outings.
[ALSO READ: Rookie Ishie Lalongisip marks a new era for Cignal in PVL All-Filipino]
The latest came during Cignal’s straight-set win over the Capital1 Solar Spikers, when she fired 13 points.
“For me, parang 'yung mga nangyayari sa team namin ngayon [ay] 'blessing in disguise' na rin,” Lalongisip told One Sports.
“Sinasamahan ko lang siya ng tiyaga tsaka tapang araw-araw kasi ayoko rin sayangin 'yung mga pinaghihirapan namin ngayon sa ensayo lalo na knowing na like parang sakto kami pero dun sa sakto na 'yun, 'yung mga players namin is nag-step up din lahat,” she added.
Hearing the news that she would finally have the opportunity to shine for the HD Spikers under coach Shaq Delos Santos, Lalongisip immediately challenged herself to get better every day.
The result? Even she was surprised with her performances.
“Sinabi ko sa sarili na kailangan ko mag-double time and pinressure ko talaga, pinush ko 'yung sarili ko para mailabas kung ano 'yung meron ako,” said Lalongisip. “Now, minsan parang nasu-surprise na rin ako na wow kaya ko pala 'yun so parang ang kailangan ko lang talaga gawin is maniwala sa sarili ko and sistema ni coach Shaq”
Lalongisip will still have plenty to learn in her young PVL career but as early as now, she knows what she will need to work on.
Kailangan matibay din 'yung mental mo, hindi lang physical. Pinaka-base 'yung physical mo pero kailangan tibayan mo rin 'yung utak mo kasi parang everyday kapag sa training din namin, 'yun lang din 'yun eh parang mind over matter lang din,” Lalongisip explained.
Cignal’s rising star will look to continue her strong performances against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles next Thursday, February 13 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.