The grind of the season took its toll on Myla Pablo and the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors in Game 1 of their semis series against the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders.
Pablo was far from her usual self in that game in scoring just eight markers. The 22 year old cited fatigue from balancing school and her profession while suffering the effects of a back injury she sustained earlier in the season.
“Humahabol na lang sa practice, pagdating ng bahay, pagod,” a visibly tired Pablo said after Game One. “Tapos hahabol din sa klase sa susunod.”
“Wala eh, kasi wala akong magagawa. Kailangan ako ng team ko so kailangan i-push.”
In Game Two of the semis, Pablo pushed herself to her limit in displaying a barrage of kills, 23 to be exact. Moreover, she helped Pocai Sweat extend the series to a do-or-die Game Three on Monday.
“Para kaming wala sa focus nung Game One kaya nag-usap usap muna kami bago ng game kung ano ang gagawin namin sa court,” Pablo shared as the Lady Dubs displayed composure and maturity that was missing during their two game losing streak.
“Sabi nga ni Ate Michele na tiwala lang tayo at isang magandang receive lang makakalaro na kami ng maayos.”
Moreover, Pocari’s open hitter was able to lead the team whenever team captain and fellow Smash Sister Michele Gumabao was taken off the court. She credits this renewed confidence to the trust given to her by mentor Rommel Abella.
“Nag-promise lang talaga ako kay coach na gagawin ko lang lahat ng dapat gawin,” she shared. “Tinrust ako ni coach na pag wala si Ate Michele sa court na ako magdala ng team.”
Pablo though deflected all the credit to the team’s defense. “Kahit papaano nadala ko yung team namin pero lahat kami naglaro,” she furthered. “Maganda yung blocking at receiving namin.”
“Kelangan namin manalo sa Game 3. Sana maganda yung laro namin mas lalo na yung receiving,” she stressed.
