ILOCOS NORTE -- Choco Mucho head coach Oliver Almadro was nothing but proud of the resiliency Regine Arocha showed on Friday night.
And her tough showing against Petro Gazz, according to Almadro, proved that she is indeed deserving of a spot in the country's first-ever volleyball professional league.
"Titan of the day, kumbaga sa amin Titan of the day," claimed Almadro.
"She proved herself na kahit na maliit siya e worthy siya dito sa professional league. So I really trust her and I really admire that kind of player na maliit 'man ako, kulang 'man ako sa height, gagawin ko yung trabaho ko," he added.
The two-time NCAA Finals MVP -- who could not finish the game after falling down to cramps -- delivered a season-best 13 points along with eight excellent receptions to help the Flying Titans stay in the running for the second seed through a 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23 win over Petro Gazz at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center here in Bacarra.
For the Arellano star, she's just happy to her mark in a loaded squad filled with UAAP champions.
"Kasi nung start ng fourth set pinupulikat na ko pero pinipilit ko kasi siyempre gusto kong maglaro ayoko basta bastang sumuko na lang hangga't kaya ko gusto ko nilalaro ko pa talaga," revealed Arocha.
"Siyempre masaya kasi alam kong nakatulong ako ngayon sa game namin. Kaso kinulang lang nung huli hindi na kinaya talaga," she added.
Despite struggling in the initial part of the eliminations, Arocha is finally learning the ropes of Almadro's system all thanks to the Ateneo core led by Kat Tolentino and Ponggay Gaston, to name a few.
"Nung una sobrang hirap pero habang tumatagal naman nakaadjust na tsaka yung team kasi super nagtutulungan kaya pag nahihirapan andyan yung iba para turuan pag nagkakamali, tulungan kaya madali lang din kami nakaadjust sa system ni Coach O," Arocha admitted.
Almadro shared that he has been keeping tabs on Arocha ever since her final year in Arellano.
And he's just glad to finally see his prized recruit doing well under his wing.
"Noon pa lang, alam niya 'yan noon pa lang. Pagraduate pa lang siya non sa Arellano, kinukuha ko na siya kaya lang nauna siya sa Sta. Lucia, tapos nung natapos sa Sta. Lucia saka lang siya napunta dito," revealed Almadro.
"Pero dapat nung unang Choco Mucho pa lang nandito na 'yan e." (DJ)
