Former F2 stalwart MJ Perez now brings her explosiveness to the PVL as she plays for the Cignal HD Spikers.
Formerly F2 Logistics’ Pilipinas Superliga import, MJ Perez is now making her Philippine volleyball comeback with the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL. It’s been an impressive return for the Venezuelan gunner, who followed up a 22-point comeback with a 30-pointer against ZUS Coffee on a rainy Tuesday in Pasig.
In her five-year absence, “Amiga” has spent the last few years playing across Europe, and even a Vietnam stint in 2022. Right before the PVL, MJ also played for one season in Egypt for the Alexandria Sporting Club.
But even if she looked as sharp as ever, MJ herself admits encountering a learning curve in her return to Manila. Despite re-experiencing Asian volleyball in Vietnam, it didn’t prove to be of much use, given that this month-long stay was plagued with injury.
“[In the Philippines] you play more Asian. We say like that more Asian style, more fast, more [floor defense], you know, more fast. But in Europe or like I was playing in Egypt, the volleyball is maybe more about more spike and high balls,” she told The GAME in an exclusive interview.
Consequently, MJ admitted to struggling during her first week back in the Philippines. Fortunately, Cignal’s experienced setter Gel Cayuna has been highly communicative amid this transition.
“Sometimes she forgets that she has to give me a higher ball, but I try to adjust the ball and try to fix her ball. And after I tell her, please, give me a little bit higher. But we keep this communication and that’s the good thing,” she shares.
On the flip side, though, chemistry building hasn’t been an issue for MJ Perez and Cignal, as this has been “perfect” so far, as she notes. Her connection with setter Cayuna is also continuing to improve, with the playmaker being highly communicative and flexible.
“It’s like you say before, like I never left. I have this feeling that I know everyone, like I know the people I know. It’s nothing new for me because I was here. So it’s been easy,” she shares.
‘The people, environment is amazing’
Like fellow returnee Khat Bell, MJ Perez is simply happy to be back in the Philippines. As her second home for about three straight years, the Venezuelan admits missing the “amazing” people and environment in the local volleyball scene.
“In my last two teams, I couldn’t feel that energy. I was playing in Egypt, so the culture is different. Not many people go to watch the game, so here it’s so nice to see all the people supporting, so it feels great. Definitely, I’m very happy to be here,” she said.
“As I say before, and I say in other interviews, definitely this is the best feeling to have people supporting you and how the fans are, you know, keep supporting and giving you that good energy,” MJ added.
On top of this, MJ Perez also lauded the improved talent level in the Philippines. In particular, she cited the growing number of “very young talent.”
“So this is good to have a base of young players and good players that they can reach the level of the national team. And I saw them in the national team and I see they have a good future.”
Now through with another stellar game, MJ Perez and Cignal look to sustain their hot start throughout the Reinforced Conference’s group stages. In the immediate term, she hopes for herself and the squad to improve their consistency as they gun for the championship.
Of course, she’s also learned something from facing the pesky Thunderbelles on Tuesday.
“They just play and if they win or lose, they’re just there, you know? And for us, it’s something that we have to learn. We have to learn how to enjoy our game and just don’t think about the result, just enjoying. But they were good, definitely.”
Banner Image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.
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