Balse enjoys playing with young stars, vows to play better next game

Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER

Returning volleyball icon Mary Jean Balse vowed to give a better showing in Creamline’s next game in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

Balse returned to volleyball action after missing the sport for almost two years due to her pregnancy, but in her first game, she only played sparingly in the second period of the Cool Smashers’ four-set win over Adamson University, 25-17, 18-25, 25-15, 25-22.

“I promise to play better in our next game,” said the 34-year-old Balse-Pabayo. “I think my muscles were kind of shocked because it’s been so long since I’ve played.”

Balse-Pabayo said she tried to force her body to get into volleyball shape in a span of two months but she accidentally hurt her back during weight training on Friday.

“I’m still adjusting, and I’m trying to put myself into proper condition,” said Balse-Pabayo. “And yesterday, my back gave up on me so I couldn’t move properly during the game and that must be why coach Tai [Bundit] gave me limited minutes today.”

And though she’s now the elder stateswoman in her team, Balse-Pabayo said she’s fine with the label.

She added that playing with 20-somethings actually gives her a breath of energy after being away from the sport for a time.

“We’re getting older and you just can’t back to your younger self in one game,” said Balse-Pabayo. “And it’s great playing with younger players and it’s fun because I get to take some rest during games.”