Mika Reyes took a leap of faith to start the decade.
From a perennial championship contender in Petron, Reyes decided to turn over a new leaf and move to a rebuilding Sta. Lucia team for the 2020 season of the PSL.
It marked the first time in three years that she packed her bags to settle to a new home. So it shouldn’t come to a surprise that she’s still adjusting to the changes brought about by her decision.
“To be honest, nakakapanibago. Last time na na-experience ko ‘to three years ago kaya nakakapanibago,” the former La Salle standout confessed.
And it was evident when Reyes made her Sta. Lucia debut on Monday.
In the curtain-raiser of the PSL Imus City Mayor Maliksi Super Cup: Spike for a Cause, Reyes and the new-look Lady Realtors were grasping at straws in the face of the rejigged Generika-Ayala arsenal. They struggled to establish their footing, getting mired in a 1-2 set deficit.
Fortunately, Sta. Lucia found its bearings just in the nick of time.
Djanel Cheng began to distribute the wealth effectively at the critical juncture of the match, tapping into the scoring potential of Honey Royse Tubino, Jessica Vestal and captain Shaina Joseph. Reyes then made her towering presence felt, making life hard for the Lifesavers above the net.
Through their collective hats, the Lady Realtors started their campaign on the right track. Still, Reyes acknowledges that the path to being a contender remains a long one for Sta. Lucia.
“Marami pa ring adjustments. Madami sa kanila hindi ko pa nakaka-teammate. Sa setters naman, hindi ko naging setter si Ate Rubie [De Leon] at si Djanel, so madami pa akong kailangan trabahuhin,” admitted the 25-year-old middle blocker.
She then continued, “Nagkakapaan pa [kami] kasi I think for me, factor din ‘yung mga Fil-Ams kasi ‘di ba iba rin ‘yung culture nila sa America and iba ang galawan nila. Pero ang good thing, willing sila mag-adjust.”
With all the player movements that took place over the league for the past several weeks, it’s still too early to say whether this revamped Sta. Lucia squad has what it takes to break through the post-season and compete for a title. But one thing’s certain for Reyes: this team will surely be a place for her to flourish even more.
“Lagi naman ‘yun ‘yung isa sa factors kapag lumilipat ako ng team — for me to learn and grow. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Petron kasi binigyan nila ako ng magandang experience for the last three years. Pero once in a while, kailangan ko rin i-explore ang ibang bagay,” she said.
“Nagkaroon kasi ako ng opportunity and then sabi ko, ‘Why not kunin ko? Wala naman mawawala.”
