Maizo-Pontillas ‘pressured’ after winning MVP plum

Rhea Dimaculangan and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas. Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER

Petron Blaze Spiker Aiza Maizo-Pontillas is no stranger to winning individual awards.

And she added another hardware to her collection Thursday night, taking home the MVP in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference Thursday after helping Petron dethrone F2 Logistics in five sets, 26-24, 24-26, 24-26, 25-23, 15-11, in the finals.

“I think I’m more pressured right now because I won the MVP,” said Maizo-Pontillas, who won several MVPs when she bannered University of Santo Tomas in the Shakey’s V-League.

READ: Petron claims PSL All-Filipino title, sweeps F2

Maizo-Pontillas likened her MVP trophy to being part of the national team, as immense pressure comes along with with both distinctions.

“This MVP trophy is like being named to the national team because not only does it bring pressure but the expectation for you to perform well is also there,” said Maizo-Pontillas, who had 14 points in the title-clinching game.

“But I will still work hard to show that I deserve the MVP.”

Maizo-Pontillas’ teammate and fellow UST alum Rhea Dimaculanagan, meanwhile, won the Best Setter award.

READ: Petron blanks F2, closes in on PSL title

Mika Reyes also took an individual trophy for Petron, winning the 2nd Best Blocker Award while silver medalist Mary Joy Baron was named the Best Blocker.

Foton teammates EJ Laure and Jaja Santiago won the Best Outside Spiker and Best Opposite Spiker trophies, respectively, while F2 Logistics’ Ara Galang was named the 2nd Best Spiker.

Cignal’s diminutive defensive ace Jheck Dionela was the conference’s Best Libero.