When Aby Marano steps on the Premier Volleyball League’s taraflex on Wednesday at Paco Arena, it will be the first time in 2,585 days since she played in the league.
Back then, Marano was serving as a guest player in the Philippine Army and they lost a tough four-setter to PLDT, 21–25, 22–25, 25–22, 21–25, to settle for second in the 2015 Reinforced Conference.
A lot has changed since then.
Marano has made numerous national teams and found a steady home in F2 Logistics.
Once a powerhouse, PLDT has gone through many changes in trying to regain its status as queen of the court.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Superliga has since folded with all the top teams in the country going to the PVL.
And returning to the PVL is special for the 2014 V-League Best Blocker.
“Very special ito kasi this is my first time to compete ulit here after so many years. Extra special pa siya kasi kasama ko na yung F2.
“For the longest time, nasa ibang liga kami,” the 29-year-old native of Passi, Iloilo said. “Yung composition ng teams now is iba compared to sa nakasanayan namin. At least ngayon, lahat ng teams magkakasama na and we get to compete against players na iba yung touch and capabilities. Hindi pa kami sanay against them.”
Irony though is not lost on Marano as it’s Army who will welcome her back to the league.
After all, it’s the Lady Troopers who saw little changes in its composition for the last seven years.
Moreover, besides having vets like Tin Agno, Jing Balse, and Royse Tubino, Army added the likes of Mich Morente, Aiko Urdas, and Necole Ebuen to their team.
“Yung Army kasi matagal na sila naglalaro together. They are a champion team at madaming beterano. Hindi ka puwede magrelax against them,” she opined about their showdown that takes place at 3:00PM. “Although wala si Ate Joves, nandiyan si Urdas, Morente, Ebuen, and Ivy Perez. A mix of veterans and fresh players na beterano maglaro.
“Hindi kami puwedeng maging complacent.”
Despite F2 Logistics already having five PSL championships and the inaugural PNVF Champions League crown in their trophy room, Marano says they will enter the Open Conference with a rookie mindset.
After all, they have yet to win a single game in the PVL.
“Lagi naming goal is to win the championship. Yan lagi ang mindset namin preparing for the PVL. Yan ang goal ng lahat ng team namin sa F2. Kasi hindi pa kami nag-champion dito e. Sa PSL madami na kaming championships pero ito yung first time namin na sasali sa PVL,” she said.
“Mantra namin everyday is, ‘Hindi pa tayo nag-champion dito.’ Wala kaming reason na maging complacent at magrelax. Kailangan talaga naming magtrabaho every single day.”
