Since signing with the Pocari Sweat franchise two years ago, Myla Pablo has elevated her career from being just a strong hitter to one of the best players in the country.
Earlier today, Pablo hit another milestone, earning the 2017 PVL Open Conference Most Valuable Player — her first-ever conference MVP trophy.
However, Pablo and the rest of the Lady Warriors were quickly hit by the Bali Pure Water Defenders. The three-time champions were thrown for a loop and succumbed in straight sets in Game One of the Finals.
In Pocari Sweat’s three title reigns, Pablo won the Finals MVP twice. The former National University Lady Bulldog admitted that she prefers Finals MVPs and championships to a conference MVP.
“Championship pa rin talaga. Nag-joke nga si Pat (Aquino, her fiancé) na ibalik ko na lang daw ‘yung MVP, championship na lang,” Pablo quipped as she scored just nine points against Bali Pure.
For now, the Tarlac native and her teammates are focused on regaining their form for Game Two on Wednesday, stressing their need for better service reception.
“Ewan ko kung anong nangyare sa amin,” Pablo said after the Lady Warriors hour-long, players-only meeting.
“Kapag kalaban talaga namin Bali Pure, nawawala talaga receive namin, nawawalan kami ng tiwala sa sarili, tulala kami sa loob ng court.”
Fresh from a comeback in their semifinals series against the Air Force, the Lady Warriors are used to adversity. They are hoping to pull from the same well of resiliency to clinch their fourth straight title.
“Normal na sa amin na naghahabol, na lagi kaming nahihirapan. Sabi nga ni coach Rico (De Guzman) ang bida laging talo sa una, pero nananalo sa huli,” the 23-year-old declared.
“Kailangan nga mataas na ‘yung ilalaro namin since nasa Finals na kami. Hindi na pwedeng pababa kami.”
