Pablo regains striking prowess

Myla Pablo is back in her vintage form and her resurgence of late has worked wonders for Petro Gazz’s strong start in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

Buried on the bench for months, the veteran spiker worked her way back in to the Angels’ starting lineup, playing a crucial role in their impressive run so far in the six-month all-local tournament.

Pablo was inserted into the first six against Farm Fresh on 23 November after regular starter Jonah Sabete sat out due to a strained left calf.

She immediately made an impact for a Petro Gazz team reeling from a straight-set loss to defending champion Creamline.

The two-time Most Valuable Player seized the opportunity to reestablish herself in the Angels’ rotation, delivering a series of standout performances in their next three victories — including convincing wins over contenders PLDT and Cignal — to cap the year on 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 deal the HD Spikers’ first loss in a convincing 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 decision.

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 fifth PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of 10 to 14 December.

The 31-year-old outside hitter credited her coaches and teammates for regaining her confidence as she fully embraced the role entrusted to her.

“I got my confidence from my belief in myself and the faith of my teammates and coaches. I’m just doing my role in the team and I try to work hard and give my best since it’s not all the time that you get this kind of opportunity,” Pablo said.

“And of course from the trust of the Petro Gazz fans. It’s a huge boost for my confidence,” she added.

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, which is streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.

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

“This 2024, I got my confidence back. I told my setters to help me get my confidence back inside the court, I’ll attack and score a kill even if I need to adjust,” Pablo shared.