JOVELYN Gonzaga stood tall and redeemed herself in their game against the tough PLDT squad.

After back-to-back heartbreaks from the hands of Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, the five-foot-seven opposite hitter expressed her genuine emotions after their win against the High Speed Hitters in a tough four set match, 24-26, 26-24, 25-17, 28-26, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 All-Filipino Conference.

"I came to this game inspired, and I am aware that in our past games, I fell short. I need to step up because our coaching staff never doubted us," Gonzaga told the press.

It was mentally challenging for the HD Spikers this conference since they were faced with the reality that they were no longer in the semifinals race, compared to their podium finish in the PVL 2023 2nd All-Filipino Conference.

Gonzaga chimed in 16 markers and was on the verge of tears when she recalled her coaches' reminders before coming to the match against PLDT.

"I would really like to credit our coaching staff. They told us to watch our previous games where we played our best to remember who we are. I watched my beach volleyball games and our games here in PVL where we won. I really want to return to myself, to get back again since the team really needs me," Gonzaga said with a crackle in her voice.

Down in the fourth frame, Cignal dodged a fifth set after a successful ball touch challenge of Cignal's coaching staff in Chai Troncoso's attack to tie the game at 26-all. Learning from their mistakes, the HD Spikers power through down the stretch as Gonzaga blocks PLDT's attempt followed by Ces Molina's slam to finish the match, 28-26.

Cignal with a 6-4 win-loss card is already out of the semis race and smeared PLDT's chance to make it to the semis as the High Speed Hitters failed to force a five-way tie at the top with a 7-3 record.

Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz and defending champion Creamline are all tied with an 8-2 record.