SANTA ROSA – Myla Pablo is navigating unfamiliar territory in her return to Petro Gazz in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
After playing the lead role for the Angels during her previous stint with the team a couple of years ago, Pablo – considered one of the most decorated players in league history – found herself relegated to the bench in her second stint with the former PVL champions.
Adding to the challenge for the two-time league MVP was her conversion to an opposite spiker upon her return to Petro Gazz.
Jonah Sabete and Filipina-American Brooke Van Sickle were occupying the starting outside hitter slots.
“Siyempre noong una nahirapan ako mag-adjust, and then sa training naman talaga wino-workout ko naman sa training kung ano ‘yung mga dapat kong gawin,” said Pablo, a three-time Best Outside Spiker awardee.
“Yun nga sinasabi nga ni coach na kapag binigyan ka ng bola, more down sa opposite,” she added.
However, on Saturday, the former F2 Logistics star appeared more comfortable in her new role. She contributed off the bench to help the Angels secure their fourth consecutive win, bringing them even closer to the semifinals.
Pablo delivered six markers off the bench to power Petro Gazz’s lopsided 25-7, 25-21, 25-17 victory against also-ran Galeries Tower at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex here.
The 30-year-old Pablo, who played a part in the Angels’ 2022 Reinforced Conference title, thanked head coach Koji Tsuzurabara for guiding her in her new role.
She also expressed gratitude for giving her the much-needed playing time, which she believes is crucial in her transition process.
“Mahirap ‘man noong una pero syempre kailangan mo i-adapt ‘yung bagong position mo and si Coach Koji sobra ‘yung trust niya sa akin sa opposite. Syempre kung ipasok ka niya sa loob kailangan gumawa ka sa loob ng court pag kailangan din sa puntusan at sa blockings,” said Pablo.
“Ang laking bagay din talaga na kahit papaano binibigyan ako ni coach ng chance to play sa loob ng court kahit maliit ‘man lang ang minutes na ibigay, at least nakakatulong din ako sa loob ng court, especially sa blockings.”
