Myla Pablo had one of the most colorful UAAP careers – ending her five-year stay at National University fleeting into the sunset with a bad game and another missed chance at a Final Four appearance.
The 23-year old spiker, however, hit the ground running with her club team Pocari Sweat in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference. The prolific open hitter led the Lady Warriors all the way to the Finals and capped the season with a splendid performance in the title-clinching game. Pablo pulled her team from the brink of disappointment with 23 points, bringing the franchise its first ever title and earning the Finals MVP honor.
“Iba na talaga ang laro ni Myla since pagtapak pa lang namin sa semis,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella.
“Makikita mo talaga sa mata niya na may fire – may gustong patunayan.”
“Napakasaya kasi first namin nag-champion, first time pa namin sumali sa V-League. Malaking bagay sa amin ito kasi nagtulong-tulong kami para makuha yung game na ito,” Pablo told reporters after Game Three at the PhilSports Arena.
Pablo didn’t expect to net the MVP award, deflecting the praise towards her teammates.
“Nagulat pa ako. Akala ko kay Gy (Sy) kay ate Michele (Gumabao). Nagulat na lang ako kasi di ko in-expect na mag-Finals MVP ako,” she expressed.
Asked if the championship gives her any validation for the poor end to her UAAP career, Pablo only wished she could have done better for her alma mater.
“Gusto ko noon ibigay ‘yung best ko kasi kailangan ka ng team mo as a captain, di mo nabigay.”
“Di naman sa nagagalit ako kay coach Roger, di ako nagagalit kasi di ako pinasok. Fault ko nga kasi wala na akong nilalaro na talaga. Sobrang off na,” Pablo spoke of her final game in the UAAP.
“Masaya ako kasi nakuha ko yung Finals MVP. Iniisip ko bakit di ko ginawa, bakit hindi lumabas. Iniisip ko bakit ganun. Bakit ngayon lumabas yung laro ko, noong UAAP di ko nagawa,” she lamented.
But Pablo now has her eyes set on winning more title for Pocari Sweat.
