Beat the best to be the best.
When the new players of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers were announced, the team in red and white suddenly became a must-watch team. Imagine PVL Reinforced Conference MVP Mylene Paat with Pauline Gaston, along with collegiate standouts Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Joyme Cagande, Princess Robles, and Jen Nierva.
And it looks like it's going to be an early contender clash as the Crossovers were immediately scheduled to play on opening day against defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers.
For Mama P, the early acid test was inevitable.
"Noong lumabas 'yung schedule na Creamline ang una naming makakatapat, from doon pa lang, nagte-train na kami na, 'Oh, Creamline 'yung makakalaban natin, so kailangan ganito 'yung lalaruin natin,'" Paat recounted to One Sports' The Game on Friday night.
"May mga struggles din talaga and challenges na dumadating. Kailangan naming i-face lahat 'yun. Kailangan talaga namin paghandaan 'yung [defending champion]."
They've done it once in the Ilocos Norte bubble to become the 2021 Open Conference champions with the Santiago sisters. Now Mama P is seeking to do the same with a star-studded crop of rookies.
"Sinasabi ng coaches, 'yung role ko ngayon mas malaki. Kailangan ko pangatawanan yun," the Reinforced Conference MVP said.
She's not too worried. Paat described the rookies as "palaban" and "mentally tough."
That will be tested this Tuesday, as the Invitational Conference ends the opening day with the 6:30 p.m. clash at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.