In the realm of sports, careers can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and for Majoy Baron, the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference has been nothing short of a thrilling ride.
Once a prominent figure on the court, the talented middle blocker found herself relegated to the bench during the previous All-Filipino Conference, making way for Ivy Lacsina and Aby Maraño in the starting lineup for the Cargo Movers.
However, little did fans know that Baron's benching would pave the way for her remarkable resurgence.
Returning to the coveted First Six, Baron grasped the opportunity with both hands, determined to prove her worth on the court. As F2 Logistics battled through the Pool B games, Baron's presence was felt, propelling her team to a remarkable 4-1 record and securing a spot in the semifinals.
But it wasn't just her presence that made a difference; Baron's fiery performance left spectators in awe. In the last three games, she notched double-digit points, including an exceptional 16-point display against Petro Gazz, a conference-best performance that showcased her prowess and tenacity.
Reflecting on her comeback, Baron humbly acknowledged the support of her teammates, particularly Ate Kim Fajardo, whose well-placed passes contributed to her stellar plays.
"Perhaps my game was brought out with the help of my teammates. When there are good sets, it's easier to execute plays at the middle, so I am also grateful to Ate Kim (Fajardo) for maximizing the plays for me," Baron shared, expressing her appreciation for the collective effort that fueled her success.
The 5-foot-11 blocker from Concepcion, Tarlac, now averages an impressive 11 points per game, placing her 13th in the league's scoring list. Not just a force in scoring, Baron also stands as the sixth-best blocker with an impressive count of 0.65 per set. Her well-rounded performance on the court has proven that age and experience are no hindrance to true talent.
For F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego, Baron's revival came as no surprise. Despite the limited minutes she received in the previous conference, Diego always had faith in the talented athlete.
"Of course, I'm very happy for Majoy because I know that—many people were saying that she couldn't do it anymore, that she's getting old, and so on. I never really cared about that," confidently stated Diego, the league's only female head coach.
Diego's unwavering belief in Baron paid off, and the coach looks forward to her continued excellence in the upcoming semi-finals.
As teams from Japan and Vietnam join the fray in the country's first and only professional volleyball league, Baron is determined not to rest on her laurels but to push herself even further, aiming for the pinnacle of success.
Baron's mindset reflects her commitment to her team's journey to greatness.
"My mindset really is just to do my work because that's where my focus always lies – on what I can contribute to the team," she emphasized, displaying a humble and team-oriented approach that resonates with her teammates.
The road ahead is not without challenges, but Baron's recent performances have shown that hard work and dedication are a potent combination.
F2 Logistics and their resurgent middle blocker are ready to face the best teams in the round-robin semi-finals, and their determination will undoubtedly fuel the fire that burns within them.
