Paat, Mau head overseas for pro action

FILE – F2 Logistics’ Kalei Mau. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mylene Paat and Kalei Mau are going Jaja Santiago’s way, flying out of the country in the coming weeks to play as foreign reinforcements in different leagues abroad.

The 6-foot-1 Paat, Chery Tiggo’s starting opposite hitter, is flying to Thailand on Saturday to beef up Nakhon Ratchasima in the Thailand League which opens second week of December.

F2 Logistics’ top gun Mau has also bared she’s playing for Athletes Unlimited in the United States pro league firing off in February.

“I still don’t know how to react because I was too busy with the PNVF (Philippine National Volleyball Federation) Champions League,” said the 27-year-old Paat, who helped the Pro Crossovers secure silver medal behind powerhouse Cargo Movers.

She will be the second Filipino to join the tough Thai league after a brief stint by Alyssa Valdez years ago.

“When I first got the invite I was so excited because when I started playing volleyball, all I wanted was to show my talent,” said Paat in Filipino. “But this is a new challenge for me and an opportunity to learn.”

Paat will be joining the Korat team built around veteran Thai setter Tomkom Nootsara.

“I heard it’s one of the strongest club teams in Thailand,” said Paat.

But just like Santiago, Paat is expected to still play for Chery Tiggo when she’s home, according to Pro Crossovers team manager Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan.

The franchise has always taken pride in having its key players explore their horizons abroad. Santiago missed the Champions League because she was playing for Saitama Ageo Medics in Japan V.League.