The 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference presented a challenging period for Kat Tolentino. She consistently found herself on the bench, watching her team, Choco Mucho, battle valiantly on the court.
Her playing time became scarce. It appeared as though her time to shine had dimmed.
This situation wasn't new to Kat Tolentino.
It was a recurring theme, and it persisted during the Flying Titans' initial match in the Second All-Filipino Conference against Creamline. The scoreboard reflected the disappointment, with a disheartening 18-25, 16-25, 26-24, 25-21 defeat at the iconic SMART Araneta Coliseum.
In the subsequent game against Farm Fresh, Caitlin Viray took the spotlight as Choco Mucho's starting opposite spiker. She helped secure a 2-0 set advantage with scores of 25-18, 25-13.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin was determined to change the tide, and with the score in their favor, he made a decisive move.
Finally, in the third set, Tolentino, the 6-foot-2 hitter out of Ateneo, was given her chance. The court came alive as she immediately made her presence felt, scoring four crucial points, helping the Flying Titans secure a convincing 25-17 victory in the third frame. In just 70 minutes, they extinguished the Foxies' hopes.
Coach Alinsunurin's faith in Kat Tolentino had never wavered. He knew she would be ready when her number was called, a testament to his experience as a decorated coach in the men's division.
He expressed his unwavering belief, stating, "In my opinion, Kat is always ready. I always tell her to wait for her time because the opportunity will come when the team needs it."
When Kat Tolentino was summoned to enter the game, her excitement was palpable. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she eagerly sought to prove herself.
Having previously been a two-time Best Opposite Spiker in the PVL, she was no stranger to the spotlight.
She shared, "I think I was a bit excited. I had a lot of adrenaline going into the game, and I was confident. It was great that I was able to contribute."
The game against Farm Fresh marked a turning point in Kat Tolentino's journey.
Coach Alinsunurin hinted that this was just the beginning for her, and fans could anticipate seeing more of her on the court in the upcoming matches.
