BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Nothing, not even a brewing storm nor a tight jersey, could ruin Myla Pablo’s impressive Petro Gazz debut on Sunday here at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center, Sunday.
Two days before the Angels’ debut against the Black Mamba-Army Lady Troopers, Pablo found herself in a dilemma after trying out her Petro Gazz jersey for the first time.
“Actually, talaga nung unang binigay ‘tong jersey two days ago siguro, so finit talaga namin. Ako lang ‘yung hindi nagkasya ‘yung jersey. As in hindi ko talaga magalaw ‘yung braso ko at ang sikip talaga ng dibdib ko,” bared the two-time PVL Conference Most Valuable Player.
“So, if ever hindi ko siya guguntingin, hindi ako makakapaglaro. So sabi ko na lang, kumbaga okay first game ‘to, gawan na ng paraan ‘to para makapaglaro lang ako sa first game.”
Come to the match proper, the Angels overcame a rocky start in the opening set to take a 1-0 advantage over the Lady Troopers, 25-19. Petro Gazz went on a 4-1 spurt in the second set before another unfortunate circumstance affected Pablo’s debut.
The playing court, due to the continuous raining outside of the arena, was deemed unplayable by league officials. It forced them to halt the game until the weather finally calmed down.
Already delayed by 70 minutes due to the same problem, the former National University skipper and her Angels had to wait almost four hours before resuming action.
Still, Petro Gazz overcame the lull to take down Black Mamba-Army in four sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21. Pablo — who has formed a dynamic trio with Grethcel Soltones and Ces Molina — tallied 16 points founded on 14 attacks and two rejections.
“First game namin, tignan niyo naman ‘yung nangyari. Ang tagal ng game pero hindi namin inexcuse ‘yung ganun katagal kahit nanlamig ‘yung buong katawan namin,” said Pablo, a native of Tarlac.
“Sabi namin sa sarili namin na ‘pag natuloy ‘tong game na ‘to… Kumbaga ‘yung momentum natin tuloy natin and enjoy lang every game and every point.”
