Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Krystal Rivers had little time acclimating herself to Pocari Sweat’s system, and it couldn’t have come in a more stressful period in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Pocari’s foreign reinforcement from University of Alabama received her International Transfer Certificate during the Lady Warriors’ last semifinals game but Rivers was finally able to get to the court in Game 1 of the finals.
And even though Rivers had such little time to mesh with Lady Warriors, it was her team’s immense chemistry that allowed her to ease into the group.
Head coach Rommel Abella said they would keep it a priority to always include Rivers in whatever they do, and this offcourt camaraderie was what helped the American import feel at home during games.
“During our training sessions, we always make sure that she’s always participating with us, whether it’s drills, or just simple conversations,” said Abella after his team won in four sets 20-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-19, Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
“She’s always with us because that way she will be part of our team culture as fast as possible. She’s part of our family.”
Rivers unleashed 27 points to lead the Lady Warriors to the title against Bali Pure in Game 3.
Rivers said it had been easy for her to buy into the team’s identity, and she already looked forward to a title celebration even before she got to play her first match.
“When I decided to come to Pocari I knew I had a great chance of winning the championship and it’s amazing to actually win it and be part of it,” said Rivers. “I can’t talk how much this title means to this team and when I got here, I wanted to be a part of it.”
“It’s easy for me to buy into it and it meant a lot to me as well just feeding off their emotion and it’s so amazing.”