MARS Alba is a living proof that dreams delayed are never dreams denied.
Alas Pilipinas’ newest setter was due for a national team debut a few months prior to her first act in the two-day Invitationals against eight-time Japan SV.League champion Saga Hisamitsu Springs.
The nationals lost their opening match to the Japanese club in straight sets, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16.
Her schedule forced her to decline two straight national team invites but the third time proved to be the perfect timing for her in the international stage.
After begging off twice, receiving an invite for the third time admittedly came as a surprise for the Choco Mucho playmaker — more so as she wasn’t even a natural setter throughout her years in volleyball.
“Ininvite ako before pa nu’ng last (PVL) conference tapos nag-decline ako kasi umuwi ‘yung brother ko from Australia. Nu’ng next na invitation na pangalawa, hindi na ako inallow kasi nag-start na ‘yung conference,” Alba shared.
“Itong pangatlo, finally available, pinayagan na rin ako.”
Alba added: “Hindi ko ineexpect na makakakuha ako ng invitation from coach Jorge para sa national team kasi given na converted lang din talaga ako na setter, so hindi ko inexpect na makakarating ako sa ganitong point.
“Grateful ako na nabigyan ako ng opportunity na ganito na pangatlong beses ako naimbita ni coach Jorge.”
Never shall they fail
The quintet of current national team stars from perennial collegiate volleyball dynasty La Salle was one that didn’t come about by chance.
Alba played alongside ex-Lady Spikers Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
Like every other Lady Spiker to have donned the green-and-white, Alba credits multi-titled mentor Ramil de Jesus’ winning culture which allowed her former La Salle cohorts to shine for flag and country.
“Ako, kami, grateful ako kay coach Ramil din kasi siya talaga ‘yung nag-hasa sa’min sa La Salle. Sobrang grateful kami kay coach Ramil kasi kung hindi rin dahil sa kanya, hindi kami makakarating dito,” Alba said.
While they’re familiar with each other, Alba isn’t relaxing. The brilliant setter is taking advantage of the invitationals to acquaint herself with her former teammates once more.
“Magkakakilala na kami pero kailangan pa rin ng training eh kahit sabihin na magkakasama. Matagal na rin ‘yung months na hindi kami nagkakasama.”
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