IN only her second Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, Mars Alba already had big shoes to fill as Choco Mucho’s lead setter while longtime playmaker Deanna Wong works on getting back to full fitness after being sidelined by knee issues.
Two games into her Flying Titans career, Alba was quick to make a strong impression as she averaged 21.5 excellent sets in their opening victories over Nxled in straight sets and Petro Gazz in five.
READ: Mars Alba stands tall as Choco Mucho outlasts Petro Gazz
But for the former F2 Logistics setter, she still a lot left to give in building stronger and more consistent connections with Choco Mucho’s attackers.
“Siyempre, nakukulangan pa rin ako [sa performance ko]. Pero ‘yun nga, pinipilit ko na sundin ‘yung sistema nila Coach Dante (Alinsunurin) [and] siguro, connection pa with the ates kasi nga kulang pa talaga pero pagta-trabahuan namin,” said Alba.
“Medyo nagagamay [ko na po ‘yung spikers ko] pero nakukulangan pa rin po talaga ako sa sarili ko kasi kailangan ko rin maghabol talaga. Ako lang ‘yung bago sa loob eh so kailangan ko habulin ‘yung sistema and ‘yung galaw nila sa loob,” she added.
And for reigning PVL MVP Sisi Rondina, who stands at the forefront of the Choco Mucho offense, easing Alba into the team’s system and style of play is imperative for her and the Flying Titans’ collective growth this season.
“Ang sabi ko lang naman kay Mars (Alba), itaas niya [lang ‘yung bola]. Basta kapag nasa harap ako, ‘wag ka mag-alala [kasi] kung magkamali man ako, hindi mo kasalanan 'yun.
Alba added: “Inaako ko talaga kasi bago pa lang siya sa team namin. Ginagawan niya ng paraan maka-connect, and nakita ko na nag-connect kami kanina [versus Petro Gazz].”
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