PVL: Cheers from Ilocano fans fuel Myla Pablo in Petro Gazz win

Petro Gazz Angels’ Myla Pablo during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game in Candon. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Hearing the Ilocano fans cheering her name lit a fire under Myla Pablo as she found a renewed motivation for Petro Gazz in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

With Jonah Sabete sitting out due to a strain on her left calf, Pablo shone as a starter to help Petro Gazz bounce back with a 25-21, 25-17, 25-19 win over Farm Fresh at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

The former league MVP from Tarlac turned back the time in front of over 7,000 out-of-town crowd, drilling 11 points including two blocks to conspire with Brooke Van Sickle’s 20-point homecoming in her grandfather’s province.

READ: PVL: Myla Pablo gets the start and gives Petro Gazz needed lift

“It’s really heartwarming because we speak the same language, Ilocano, so it’s touching to see so many fans supporting the volleyball community, especially with the tickets sold out,” said Pablo. “We’re so happy to be playing in front of such a huge crowd, and for sure, there are many athletes watching too.”

Pablo, who has been playing sparingly for the Angels in the past conferences, admitted she missed this kind of moment, leading a team and hearing the cheer of the fans while playing inside.

“Two conferences where I didn’t get to play much or wasn’t on the court for long, I really felt like I missed hearing the crowd cheer ‘Myla Pablo,'” she said. “I told myself, ‘This is my chance to play,’ so I gave it my best and made sure to honor the trust the coaches gave me.”

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

The 31-year-old outside spiker said she had to adjust in her return to the starting. But after getting refueled by an impressive performance in Ilocos Sur, she vows to be ready any time the Angels need her to deliver.

“Hindi pa talaga ako ‘yung full na naglalaro kasi naninibago ako ngayon, especially ‘yung sa court, ‘yung pagod ng mga rally kasi in that two conferences talaga hindi ako ganun babad, so this time talaga, it’s the first time ko na babad this game, so kailangan talaga trabahuin sa training,” she said.

The Angels, who rose to a 2-1 record, have a long break before facing the Akari Chargers next on December 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.