AFTER years of standing shoulder to shoulder on the same side of the court, they may now find themselves as on-court opponents. However, former F2 Logistics-turned-Chery Tiggo captain Aby Maraño takes pride in seeing her longtime teammates thrive and excel in their new teams.
Tuesday's high-stakes showdown between Chery Tiggo and PLDT in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference marked the first meeting of Maraño and Ara Galang against Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron — all of whom donned the green-and-white for La Salle in the UAAP before suiting up for the defunct F2 Logistics side before its disbandment back in December.
READ: Chery Tiggo sweeps PLDT to join second spot tie party in PVL
It was the Crossovers who emerged as victors in straight sets and dealt the High Speed Hitters only their second defeat of the conference, resulting in a four-way tie for second place at 7-2 (win-loss) with Petro Gazz and Creamline.
Competition aside, Maraño pointed out how big of a deal it was for her to see Baron and Fajardo get quality game time for the High Speed Hitters and thrive in an environment where their talents continue to be nurtured and maximized.
"Sobrang proud (ako kina Kim at Majoy) kasi nakikita ko na happy naman sila sa bago nilang team. And at the same time, nagagamit talaga sila. Siyempre bilang teammate nila before, ang sarap makita na isa sila sa starting six," she said.
Maraño added that it can only mean that Baron and Fajardo are key members of the squad.
The outspoken Crossovers captain bared how the PLDT pair were once held back by limited minutes during their time as Cargo Movers. But as early as their first conference with their new team, Maraño is glad to see her ex-cohorts now fully unleashed on the taraflex.
"During our time, with our former team (F2 Logistics), mina-manage talaga ‘yung dalawa. Hindi masyadong ginagamit. Pero this time around happy ako for them kasi malaki rin ‘yung tiwala ng new team nila," said Maraño.
Maraño says no easy drive to victory
When it comes to what is shaping up to be a grandstand finish in the race to the semifinals, there won't be such a thing as former teammates for Maraño as she looks to steer Chery Tiggo to the top four and emerge atop a tight-knit six-way logjam with two prelims matches remaining.
"A while ago, I was asked kung ano ‘yung advantage namin as a Chery Tiggo team competing with PLDT na alam namin na nandun si KAF (Kim Fajardo), nandun si Majoy (Baron) na teammates namin before. And I was quick to say na I’m not really looking at them as my former teammates. I’m actually looking forward on how our team will play at the highest level and perform with teamwork," she said.
"‘Yun lang talaga, hindi kami naka-focus kung sino ‘yung mga taong kalaban du'n. Naka-focus kami kung paano kami gagalaw in every game."
Maraño said they always stay grounded because Coach Kungfu Reyes constantly reminds them that there's still work to be done as a team.
"When we focus na makuha ‘yung kung ano ‘yung goal namin, which is to win every game, everything will just follow eventually," she added.
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