PVL: Back as the player of old, Myla Pablo has become a key Angel

Myla Pablo, Baby Love Barbon–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Riding the bench for months because of an assortment of reasons, Myla Pablo has found her way back to Petro Gazz’s main rotation and is easily one of the reasons why the Angels are off to the start that they have in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Pablo made the starting lineup against Farm Fresh late last month when Jonah Sabete was ruled out because of a strained left calf, making an impact on that game that propped up the Angels, who were reeling from a straight-set loss to defending champion Creamline.

A two-time MVP, Pablo knows how to rise to the occasion, and that game was the springboard as she had standout performances in their next three victories—including convincing wins over contenders PLDT and Cignal—as Petro Gazz ended the year with a four-game winning streak.

Pablo poured 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks to spark Petro Gazz’s 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 win over the High Speed Hitters last Tuesday.

She then followed it up with a 15-point output on Saturday to help hand the HD Spikers a first loss, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18.

For her stellar performance that allowed the Angels to rise to the top spot with a 5-1 standing, Pablo was unanimously voted as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of Dec. 10 to 14.

The 31-year-old outside hitter revealed that she gained confidence from her teammates and coaches, fully embracing the role entrusted by the team’s coaching staff.

“I just play the role they want me to play,” Pablo said in Filipino. “I really need to work hard because lately, I haven’t been given the chance to play that much. That’s why I give my best each time I get the chance.”

The veteran wing spiker from Tarlac edged out Petro Gazz teammate Brooke Van Sickle, Akari outside hitter Grethcel Soltones, Creamline star Alyssa Valdez, Choco Mucho ace Sisi Rondina, and Chery Tiggo young gun Cess Robles for the weekly award given by print and online journalists covering the league.

With her confidence at its peak, Pablo is determined to maintain her momentum when the PVL resumes on Jan. 18, viewing it as a way to repay the trust placed in her by her teammates, coaches, and the Angels’ management.

“Safe to say that I regained my confidence this year,” Pablo went on. “I will do everything to make up for lost time in this conference. Like I have been telling our setters, just give me that chance and I will finish it off.” —Inquirer Sports Staff INQ