Abegail Pono was a prized talent out of high school, winning Best Setter and Finals MVP for National University-Nazareth School in Season 85.
In Season 86, she has already transitioned to the collegiate ranks, remaining with the Lady Bulldogs. This time, Pono found her niche as a backup setter to Camilla Lamina.
The 19-year-old playmaker particularly excelled in National U’s past two games when an extra push beyond Lamina was needed.
Pono starred in the Lady Bulldogs’ victory against Far Eastern University, becoming the catalyst in their four-set win. She contributed seven excellent sets and two blocks in less than two sets of play in that game, earning the Best Player of the Game honors for her instant impact.
Pono also delivered against University of the East on Sunday, making eight excellent sets, two attacks, and a service ace in two sets as NU secured its fifth straight win in the tournament.
“Ang iniisip ko lang po sa isip ko kapag wala pong laro si Ate Lams, iniisip ko lang po na kaya kong i-fill ‘yung sarili ko sa lugar niya. Gusto ko lang po ipakita sa kanila na kaya ko pong punan ‘yung pwesto ni Ate Lams,” said the Cebuana setter.
Bella Belen, the Lady Bulldogs’ main gunner, shared that Pono’s performances were just a result of the work she was putting in during practice.
The Season 84 MVP now also knows that whenever Lamina is out, there is Pono, who is more than capable of filling the hole.
“Sa training pa lang po personally nakikita ko po si Abe na talagang nags-step up po siya at lumalabas naman po sa game na meron kaming backup kay Lams if ever walang laro si Lams. At least nakikita po namin si Abe na nasa magandang kamay kami,” said Belen.
Head coach Norman Belen also emphasized that the coaching staff has always known the elite skillset of Pono; it was just a matter of time before an opportunity came her way, especially with Lamina around.
Lamina was the Best Setter during the Lady Bulldogs’ golden run in Season 84.
“Siyempre masaya kami kasi rookie siya. Alam naman namin ‘yung kapasidad at skills niya. Actually, nung high school siya Best Setter at Finals MVP diba so hindi mo basta-basta ididiscount ‘yun,” said Miguel.
“Naipapakita niya talaga ‘yung worth niya at malaking tulong talaga, ‘yung sinasabing naging game-changer siya last time.”
