Mylene Paat ready to lead 'new' Chery Tiggo

Mylene Paat, the former league MVP, finally left an indelible mark for Chery Tiggo in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference. 

Paat's outstanding performance, featuring 15 points comprised of 10 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, played an integral role in leading the Crossovers to a resounding 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 victory over Gerflor on Thursday morning.

This crucial game proved to be Paat's breakout moment in the conference. While she had previously been limited to single-digit points against Creamline and Akari, her exceptional showing against Gerflor showcased her true potential. 

Adjusting to her newfound role as a leader, both on and off the court, has been an exciting challenge for Paat since the arrival of five highly-touted rookies in the Crossovers' camp just a month ago.

Among these rookies are the talented Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez from the University of Santo Tomas, as well as Jen Nierva, Cess Robles, and Joyme Cagande from National University. All of them joined Chery Tiggo after the conclusion of the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament, injecting fresh energy and raw talent into the team.

"I realized that we needed to develop strong chemistry on the court, especially with the younger players," said Paat, the 29-year-old lefty spiker.

"During training, the coaches have been pushing me to my limits, asking me to take on more responsibilities and communicate more effectively. They believe that our chemistry will flourish if we enhance our communication and understanding on the court."

Chery Tiggo's head coach, Aaron Velez, echoed Paat's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of building team chemistry in a tournament with a short duration. Velez also stressed the importance of Paat's continued vocal presence on the court, as the rookies look up to her for guidance and leadership.

"We understand that it's a process. Mylene is now taking charge not only in terms of playing but also leading the team," said Velez. 

"We are aware of the weight she carries, but I've told her not to stop because every time we pause, communication breaks down, and the rookies tend to rely heavily on Mylene's guidance. I believe Mylene needs to unleash her confidence and never doubt her capabilities."

Against the Defenders, Velez capitalized on the opportunity to field all 14 of his players, aiming to expedite the team's cohesion with just one game remaining in Pool A. With a solid 2-1 record, the Crossovers are now set to face PLDT on Tuesday, with their sights set on securing a spot in the round-robin semifinals.

"I'm pleased that everyone had a chance to step onto the court. We still need to work on our chemistry and communication, making it more seamless in preparation for our upcoming matches," Velez expressed with enthusiasm.

As Chery Tiggo continues to strive for solidified chemistry and synchronized gameplay, their future matches promise intense battles as they relentlessly pursue success in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference. 

With Paat's newfound leadership and the infusion of talented rookies, the Crossovers are poised to leave an even greater mark on the tournament, captivating fans with their unyielding spirit and captivating performances.