The 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference became a trip down memory lane for Cignal’s rookie sensation JM Ronquillo. Facing the De La Salle-EcoOil Green Oilers on Friday, the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker couldn’t help but reminisce about his days donning the Green and White in the UAAP.
“Actually these past few days, medyo nagrerelapse ako sa team La Salle kasi ang dami kong nakikitang posts sa Tiktok, mga edits ng fans so nakakamiss din talaga na maglaro para sa La Salle and sumuot ng color green na jersey,” Ronquillo shared, his nostalgia evident.
However, sentimentality took a backseat to business as the reigning Open Conference champions swept the Green Oilers, 25-21, 25-12, 25-19, handing them their first loss of the tournament. Ronquillo contributed eight points to the HD Spikers’ commanding win, setting aside his emotions to focus on the task at hand.
“Hindi ko masyadong inisip. Sabi ko lang relax lang kasi kapag masyado mong inisip na kalaban mo yung former team mo, mas papasok yung pressure tapos magkakaroon lang ng pangit na laro,” he admitted, sharing his mental approach to facing his alma mater’s representatives.
The Green Oilers, riding a four-game winning streak prior to the matchup, struggled to match the firepower and composure of Cignal. La Salle-EcoOil’s rising stars Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao couldn’t find their rhythm against the HD Spikers’ suffocating defense.
Despite the victory, Ronquillo didn’t mince words when asked about his former teammates’ performance. As a former La Salle captain, his critique carried the weight of someone who still wants the best for his alma mater.
“Medyo hindi pa proud kasi hindi sila dumikit sa amin eh,” Ronquillo said candidly. “Alam ko naman malayo pa yung UAAP at mahaba pa ang preparation, hopefully makapag-jell pa sila, magconnect pa sila as a team. Sana umangat ang positioning nila sa UAAP.”
