Elaine Kasilag has been a revelation for the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors in their maiden season in the Shakey’s V-League tournament.
The Lady Warriors have bludgeoned their first three opponents, sweeping the UP Lady Maroons in straight sets in their opening match, downing the proud Lady Bulldogs in five sets, cementing their legitimacy in the league, before sweeping Laoag in straight sets.
Kasilag played a pivotal role in each of those wins. She notched 10 markers against the Lady Maroons, bombarded the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points, and pitched in 11 against the Power Smashers.
The Lady Warrior is nothing but grateful for the opportunity that her team is giving her. In her previous team, PLDT, she was but one of many cogs in the wheel, but now in her new team, she is able to showcase her talents as one of the offensive powerhouses of the team.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi in the first place kinuha nila ako. Nagulat ako na may cumontact sa akin. Actually Philip’s Gold sa PSL dapat, biglang nagbago na, change name to Pocari at sa V-League na kami,” shared Kasilag. “Thankful ako na binibigyan nila ako ng chance at mas mahabang playing time para mapakita sa iba yung talagang nilalaro ko. Pero kulang pa rin, especially sa defense.”
Her success and skill has not gone unnoticed by the fans of the sport either. Relatively unknown  before last year, she is now one of the crowd favorites of the Shakey’s V-league.
Despite the resent surge in popularity, Kasilag has not let it get to her head. Remaining grounded amidst the cheers, she simply reminds herself that the reason she is able to play volleyball at this level is because of the people who support her.
“Nao-overwhelm ako sa mga fans na kumikilala sa akin. Sa akin kasi wala naman ako dito kung wala sila. Hindi ko nakikita yung sarili ko na nasa taas, kasi wala ako doon kung wala yung mga fans na nanonood at sumusuporta.”
Now boasting a 3-0 record, the young Kasilag is starting to feel the pressure of helping her team win a championship. However, she is able to remain calm through the help of her teammates.
“Naprepressure din pero konti lang kasi sobrang bait nila (teammates) sa akin. Sinasabi lang nila na gawin lang natin yung best na kaya natin. Hindi naman every may mali ka ay isisisi sayo kaya wala masyadong pressure.”
With the way she has been playing lately, there’s nothing to be worried about.
The next time you see Kasilag in action, her team, Pocari Sweat (3-0), will take on the Baguio Summer Spikers (0-2) next Saturday, 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
