Rookie Ishie Lalongisip is proving to be Cignal’s rising star, stepping up in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference amid adversity.

Following the mid-season departures of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses, the HD Spikers turned to their seventh overall pick in the first-ever PVL Draft—and Lalongisip did not disappoint.

The Adamson University product delivered a breakout performance, scoring 13 points to help Cignal snap a two-game skid with a dominant 25-12, 25-15, 25-17 win over Capital1 last Thursday at the Philsports Arena.

With her composure and steady contributions, Lalongisip made history as the first-ever rookie to be named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week (February 4-8), an award presented by Pilipinas Live.

Embracing the Challenge

“Ine-embrace ko lang yung role na binigay sa akin ni Coach Shaq [Delos Santos]. Yung pressure laging nandyan, pero ine-entertain ko siya as positive,” said Lalongisip, who has embraced her bigger role following Cignal’s roster shake-up.

Despite her youth, the 23-year-old outside hitter has shown maturity beyond her years, edging out PLDT’s Savi Davison, Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, Creamline’s Bea De Leon, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, and Nxled’s EJ Laure for the weekly citation.

“Every day sa training, tinatiyaga ko lang kahit may factor ng pagod. Pero alam ko at the end of the day, may natutunan ako,” she added.

A New Era for Cignal

Cignal currently holds a 6-3 record, staying in contention in the upper half of the standings. Lalongisip’s emergence signals a new era for the HD Spikers, who are looking to rebuild with fresh talent.

“In positive side, mas nagkaroon ako ng playing time, so mas na-maximize ko rin kung anong meron ako,” Lalongisip shared. “Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako titigil magtrabaho kasi nagsisimula pa lang ako at mahaba pa journey ko.”

Lalongisip and Cignal will aim to carry their momentum into their next match against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, a pre-Valentine’s Day showdown at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.