Judith Abil and the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. -PVL IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Judith Abil continues to use her second chance at Cignal to thrive in a bigger role for the HD Spikers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
From being a free agent last year, Abil remained true to her commitment to Cignal to embrace whatever role she will be given by coach Shaq Delos Santos.
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Abil served as libero in the Reinforced Conference last year when Dawn Macandili-Catindig missed the tournament due to Alas Pilipinas. She became a substitute spiker in the first half of the All-Filipino.
When she was converted as starting opposite spiker after the departure of Ces Molina and Ria Meneses, the 28-year-old Abil remained eager to step up for the HD Spikers, who ended a two-game skid to improve to a 6-3 record.
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“I just grabbed the opportunity to play. It’s not just any team I joined. From libero, I really embraced whatever role was given to me. The opportunity is something I just want to grab at this moment,” Abil told Inquirer Sports.
READ: PVL: Judith Abil shines as libero for Cignal in return to pros
“I used to dream about being in a team, and now I’m not just in any team. I’m just really happy,” she added.
Abil delivered 13 points off 10 attacks, two aces, and one block heeding to the call of Delos Santos of her need to contribute after falling short to defending champion Creamline in five sets on Saturday.
“Coach always says it’s all about work because what we lost wasn’t something simple. Now, individually, we’re all improving, and at the same time, we’re improving as a team. We just grab the opportunities given to us,” she said.
Abil’s alma mater, University of the East experienced exodus months before the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament with Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and other California Academy products transferring to the University of the Philippines.
The former Lady Warrior wished the remaining UE players good luck with Kai Cepada, Rizza Nogales, and Angelica Reyes leading the way.
“To all the players in UE, just trust yourselves. You can do it, even if the team is lacking. Trust and hard work start in training, and the results will show,” Abil said.
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Abil hopes to win back-to-back games when Cignal faces ZUS Coffee on Thursday next week.
“For me, whatever trust the coaches, especially Coach Shaq, have given me, that’s what I’ll also put into myself—trust in myself. Just work hard, be patient in training,” she said.
