Choco Mucho rookie Lorraine Pecaña recovered just in time to help the Flying Titans secure a spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Saturday night.
The 11th overall pick in the 2024 PVL Draft suffered a sprained right ankle during their match against Akari on February 8, forcing her to miss the team’s victory over Nxled on February 13 as a precautionary measure.
Pecaña made her much-anticipated return on February 22 against Petro Gazz in Passi, Iloilo. However, she was visibly limited in her movements as she worked her way back to full strength, ultimately managing just a single point in two sets played.
The middle blocker from Arellano University seemed to regain her rhythm in Choco Mucho’s rematch against Chery Tiggo in the qualifying round.
And her performance helped her team secure a 25-22, 25-22, 25-23 victory to clinch a playoff berth.
(C) PVL Images
“Matagal ko nang hinintay na makabalik kasi dalawang games nawala ako kasi na-injure ako. ‘Yung nasa isip ko, ‘Makakabalik ba ako agad?’ Pinilit ko lang siya, tinraining ko siya agad,” said Pecaña.
“Gusto ko ipakita ‘yun sa game kasi sa training naman nagagawa ko siya eh, bakit sa game hindi? Ganun lang ‘yung nasa isip ko — ilalaban ko ‘yung game na ito kasi ‘yung elims, parang mawawala ‘yung panalo namin kung hindi namin ito ilalaban.”
In her first playoff appearance, Pecaña delivered six points, including three kill blocks, while anchoring Choco Mucho’s net defense, helping them sweep the Crossovers.
She also played a key role in the team’s comeback from a 16-21 deficit in the third set, scoring two quick points to spark a 9-2 closing run that sealed the win.
Pecaña credited head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s trust for giving her the confidence to step up, especially after struggling with her injury in the previous match.
“Kagaya nung sinabi ko dati, ‘yung tiwala ni coach nung kinuha niya ako, dapat lagi kong binabaon pag naglalaro ako kasi hindi niya ako kilala eh. Kumbaga, wala kaming connection tapos kinuha niya ako, nagtiwala siya nung drafting,” said the 5-foot-11 middle blocker.
“Nakita niya lang ako, pinulot niya lang ako na, ‘Sama ka sa team.’ ‘Yung tiwala nilang lahat sa’kin, pati nung teammates, nandun na eh. Ta’s babaunin ko siya every game. Kung ‘yung coaches nga pag nagkakamali ako, ‘Okay lang.’ Eh ako pa.”
