Myla Pablo, a former league MVP, now finds herself navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Returning to Petro Gazz after a brief stint with F2 Logistics, Pablo, celebrated as one of the league's most illustrious players, has gracefully accepted a new challenge: a seat on the bench and a shift to the opposite spiker position.
For a player accustomed to leading the charge, this transition wasn't without its hurdles.
Jonah Sabete and the dynamic Filipina-American Brooke Van Sickle claimed the coveted starting outside hitter positions, leaving Pablo to adapt to a different role within the team structure.
“Siyempre noong una nahirapan ako mag-adjust, and then sa training naman talaga wino-workout ko naman sa training kung ano ‘yung mga dapat kong gawin,” said Pablo, a three-time Best Outside Spiker awardee.
“Yun nga sinasabi nga ni coach na kapag binigyan ka ng bola, more down sa opposite,” she added.
Coach Koji Tsuzurabara's guidance proved instrumental in Pablo's journey.
His unwavering trust in her ability to excel as an opposite spiker instilled confidence, fostering a smoother transition.
Despite reduced playing time initially, Pablo's impact on the court remained palpable.
In a pivotal match against Galeries Tower, Pablo seized her moment to shine.
Despite coming off the bench, she displayed unwavering determination, delivering a crucial six-point contribution.
Her performance was pivotal in Petro Gazz's commanding 25-7, 25-21, 25-17 victory, propelling them closer to the coveted semifinals berth.
Reflecting on her evolution within the team, Pablo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, no matter the duration of her appearances.
“Mahirap ‘man noong una pero syempre kailangan mo i-adapt ‘yung bagong position mo and si Coach Koji sobra ‘yung trust niya sa akin sa opposite. Syempre kung ipasok ka niya sa loob kailangan gumawa ka sa loob ng court pag kailangan din sa puntusan at sa blockings,” said Pablo.
“Ang laking bagay din talaga na kahit papaano binibigyan ako ni coach ng chance to play sa loob ng court kahit maliit ‘man lang ang minutes na ibigay, at least nakakatulong din ako sa loob ng court, especially sa blockings.”
