FILE–Mars Alba.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Mars Alba may be embarking on a fresh chapter in her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) career with Choco Mucho but the system of her new coach Dante Alinsunurin reminds her of her former mentor Ramil De Jesus.
Alba, who signed with the Flying Titans after F2 Logistics’ disbandment, said she didn’t have a hard time getting along with her new team as she is impressed with Alinsunurin’s brilliance.
“I’m happy because coach Dante is a really great coach. He reminds me of coach Ramil because they’re almost the same. They have a good system. Coach Dante is a man of few words but he’s easy to get along with,” Alba told reporters in Filipino in the PVL Media Day on Sunday.
Alba, the UAAP Season 85 Finals MVP and Best Setter, is also grateful to have former national team setter Jessie Lopez as her mentor.
“I’m also thankful because when I joined Choco Mucho, I got the chance to continue improving my setting skills and volleyball IQ. I’ve been learning a lot from coach Jessie, given that I only arrived here weeks ago,” she said.
Mars Alba on playing for Choco Mucho. #PVLMedia @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/lLm3BPmQqf
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 11, 2024
Alba will be playing alongside starting setter Deanna Wong and veteran playmaker Jem Ferrer and she’s happy to share her insights with her fellow setters despite the healthy competition between the three of them.
“It’s fun because it’s a healthy competition for us three. Three setters and we’re just trading ideas and skills,” Alba said.
Playing for Choco Mucho, which reached the finals last December, the former La Salle stalwart is confident that she is in good hands with Alinsunurin after he steered the Flying Titans to their first podium finish in the PVL.
“For me, I’m confident because we all know that Choco Mucho really performed well last PVL conference. It’s already a given that the system of coach Dante works,” Alba said. “There’s pressure because I’m new to the team and for sure, people especially management and coaches have high expectations from me. I’m just going to do my best, give whatever I can offer to the team and follow the system.”
Aside from debuting with a new team, Alba can’t wait to go up against her former F2 Logistics teammates in the PVL All-Filipino Conference starting on February 20.
“I’m still trying to get used to facing my seniors. I’m looking forward to having a moment with them on the court as opponents. F2 was known for its swag and I’m expecting to see some of that when former F2 players face each other,” Alba said.
Alba also hopes for a fast recovery from an ACL injury for her longtime teammate and best friend Jolina Dela Cruz, who found her new home at Farm Fresh.
“I miss the bond and the connection. I’m also looking forward to facing her and I hope she recovers sooner than later,” she said.