THREE ACL tears, a hearing impairment, and a ruptured appendix later, Kat Tolentino is still standing strong and is on her way to a return to the national team.
But the battle-tested Fil-Canadian spiker isn’t making a fuss of her surprise Alas Pilipinas invite yet - for the simple reason that it’s just an invite, for now.
READ: De Brito unsure when Alas SEA Games pool will be complete
With one too many question marks on the national federation’s initial 20-woman pool for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Tolentino is treating the call-up for what it is for now — a golden opportunity to grab.
“Actually, that's just an invitation, so it’s not guaranteed yet. I'm still focused right now on the PVL,” she said.
Nonetheless, the 30-year-old opposite hitter is honored to even be considered to play for the national team again since last suiting up in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia two years ago.
“I’m very thankful to be included and I know the team, Alas has improved a lot this past year. But for now, again, I'm still focusing on Choco Mucho,” Tolentino reiterated.
Flying Titans first, national team next
Navigating a tricky PVL campaign so far, where her Flying Titans have split their first four outings, has been quite the acid test already for the team’s second-leading local scorer in Tolentino.
With 7.5 points per game since sitting out for roughly a year with health issues, she has her work cut out for her to be in her best shape and form once she begins vying with the rest of the Nationals for a final 14 spot in the regional meet.
“The competition is a lot higher and I'm excited because the girls seem like they're jelling well and I think the system is improving every year,” said Tolentino.
“They've already won medals in overseas tournaments, so I'm just grateful that it's improving.”
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