Pauline Gaston is carving out her role with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
As reporters waited for Player of the Game Mylene Paat to come in to the media area, Chery Tiggo Crossovers teammate Pauline Gaston hid behind the wall waiting for her to come in and scare her a bit.
It worked. And Mama P unleased several cuss words at Gaston and laughed. The Crossovers captain realized what she did and tried to cover her mouth as they both giggled and hugged in front of reporters.
It was a breakthrough moment for the Crossovers, who bounced back after three straight losses in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. And it was a statement win too, as Gaston helped beat her former team, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, in straight sets.
"I really have to thank my teammates and coaches, binigyan nila ako ng opportunity. Nafi-feel ko 'yung trust nila sa akin," Gaston said.
"Nakaka-inspire ang isang Mylene Paat. 'Di imposible na mahawa."
Mama P was a key influence for Gaston, who has always looked for ways to express her admiration for the Chery Tiggo captain, like she did during the 2021 Ilocos bubble.
Before the match against the Flying Titans, Gaston was benched in three matches and scored a total of 15 against the Army-Black Mamba Energy Drink Lady Troopers, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, and the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Against Choco Mucho, Gaston made 12 points coming off 11 attacks along with 19 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
She said she was grateful the team created plays for her.
"Everyone on the team is super nag-eeffort. Meron pang EJ Laure, Shaya Adorador, tapos lahat ng gitna," Gaston said. "Imposible na 'di ako mahawa sa ganung character na lahat kami napu-push ang isa't isa na umangat."
"I think it was a collaborative effort na binigyan ako ng mga set," she added. "Nakakatuwa, coming from a loss, nakabawi kami."
But Chery Tiggo would be tested in their playoff bid as they face the semis-bound Petro Gazz Angels next Tuesday at the San Agustin Gymnasium in Iloilo City.