Cignal middle blocker Jackie Acuña hopes to fulfill her dream of representing the Philippines on the international volleyball stage.
Middle blocker Jackie Acuña has become quite a revelation for the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Stepping into a bigger role following the departure of several key players, Acuña has become a crucial piece in the HD Spikers’ continued success in the extended conference.
Knowing this, the former National University graduate is making sure to maximize the opportunities given by coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“Personal goal ko talaga is higitan pa kung ano 'yung natapos namin last conference. Alam ko kahit na 12 nga lang kami, talagang naniniwala pa rin ako sa chance at sa kakayahan ng bawat isa na kaya namin mag-Finals ulit kung papalarin,” Acuña told One Sports.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Jackie Acuña applies lessons from Cignal coaches, veterans for huge leap as middle blocker in Reinforced Conference]
But more than just performing well for her PVL squad, Acuña has bigger dreams for her volleyball career—one of which is playing for Alas Pilipinas.
“Of course, isa siya talaga sa greatest dream ko na makapaglaro para sa Pilipinas and ibigay man 'yun, tatanggapin ko 'yun ng buong puso at gagawin ko 'yung best ko at tatapangan ko every game para makatulong sa Philippines,” said Acuña.
The national team, under Brazilian coach Jorge De Brito, will likely see some roster changes and additions as it prepares for several major tournaments later in the year.
[ALSO READ: Jorge De Brito open to Savi Davison, Brooke Van Sickle joining Alas ‘if they’re committed’]
Amid her strong performances for Cignal, it won’t be hard for De Brito to take a look at Acuña as a possible candidate.
While another Best Middle Blocker award is possible, Acuña remains focused on helping the short-handed HD Spikers return to the Finals.
With the third seed locked, Cignal will await the team that finishes 10th as the preliminary round wraps up this week.
[ALSO READ: Cignal’s success in PVL All-Filipino no surprise to Shaq Delos Santos despite shorthanded lineup]
“Since mga ilang games ako hindi nakapag-laro, parang gawin ko lang 'yung best ko kasi parang five games din ako hindi nakapag-laro and ahead 'yung mga kasabayan ko so ayoko i-pressure 'yung sarili ko na habulin mo,” Acuña explained.
“Ilalabas ko lang 'yung natural na kakayahan ko and kung paano ako mag-laro."