MYLA Pablo has no regrets in admitting the block touch violation that would’ve given Petro Gazz the third set instead of getting swept outright by ZUS Coffee in Game One of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
Down two sets to none, the Angels erased the Thunderbelles’ first match point and went on to take their first set point at 25-24.
In what could’ve been the set’s final sequence, Jovelyn Gonzaga’s attack went above Pablo’s arms as the ball sailed out and gave Petro Gazz its 26th point in an extended third set to force a fourth frame.
READ: ZUS pulls upset rug on Petro Gazz to keep Cinderella run going
But just as ZUS Coffee immediately issued a block touch challenge, Pablo approached the match referee and confirmed that she did have a hand on Gonzaga’s spike attempt.
The point was awarded to ZUS Coffee, tying the set at 25-all, and was followed by a Pablo attack error and a Gonzaga block point on Pablo to hand ZUS Coffee the set win and the series-opening sweep.
As a consolation, for whatever it’s worth, the Angels received a green card.
“‘Di ko sinasabing mali ko din na nag-yes ako agad. Dapat sana chinallenge na lang muna namin para at least nakapagpahinga man lang kami kahit konti,” Pablo bared.
“Same rin naman eh na kapag nag-challenge ka, makikita rin naman na check ball eh," she added.
“Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, dapat sana hindi ko muna sinabi para at least kaming nasa loob, nakapag-usap muna kami kahit konti.”
While Pablo’s honesty and a few late errors cost Petro Gazz the series opener in the endgame, the chance to bounce back is what counts from here on out.
“Ang tagal namin bago mag-init sa court. Mas pinapahirapan namin yung sarili namin na humabol lagi ng set,” Pablo rued.
“Kaya sa Game 2 talaga, kailangan talagang maka-una kami. Hindi pwedeng kami yung maghahabol pa. Kapag kami yung naghahabol, kami yung mape-pressure kasi nakuha ng ZUS yung Game 1.
“Kailangan kami, this Game 2, pukpukan kami na makuha namin yung Game 2 para at least kahit papano, may Game 3 pa.”
Either ZUS Coffee’s finisher or Petro Gazz’ first lifeline will come into fruition come Game 2 on Saturday, 4 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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