ILOCOS NORTE - Kat Tolentino is delighted to have Ateneo teammates Ponggay Gaston, Deanna Wong, and Jamie Lavitoria in Choco Mucho for the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
For the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker, having the former Lady Eagles will be a huge advantage for the team especially that they are running the same system of coach Oliver Almadro that won them the UAAP Season 81 championship.
"I think it's just nice to have the Ateneo core with this team. It's definitely an advantage because we know Coach O's system and we still have a lot of things to fix and we're still adjusting. I think soon, hopefully, we'll be able to really get the Ateneo system that Coach O has instilled in us and look forward to the future games," said Tolentino.
It definitely showed as the former UAAP champions played a huge part in the Flying Titans' successful PVL debut.
Despite a sluggish start, Choco Mucho took a four-set, 28-26, 10-25, 27-25, 25-11, win over the struggling PLDT Home Fibr Hitters.
Tolentino fired 18 points in the win while Wong tallied a total of 26 sets along with 13 excellent digs and four markers.
Gaston, on the other hand, had six points and seven excellent receptions.
"It was nice to be back on the court. I think the team showed a lot of heart. I'm just thankful that we were able to get a win in the end," said Tolentino.
Also making a difference were another Lady Eagle in Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and newcomers Necole Ebuen and Regine Arocha.
"They're definitely a huge factor. They really fulfilled their role as we trained in the bubble. They really know their role and I'm just thankful that they're very accepting and they are very fun to be around. They bring so much energy to the team and we're very lucky to have them." (DJ)
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