Rookie middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña has been delivering so far for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Choco Mucho saw its team captain Maddie Madayag leave for a stint in Japan during the offseason prior to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
There were questions on who would fill her role, especially when it comes to the blocking department.
But two games in the new conference and that question has seemingly been answered by rookie middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña.
Lorraine Pecaña has big shoes to fill for Choco Mucho but willingly answers to the challenge. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
The 23-year-old delivered big time for the Flying Titans in their first win against the Galeries Tower with her 10 points on three attacks and seven rejections.
“Nakinig lang po ako sa mga coaches ko kasi alam na nila kung sino ‘yung mga bibigyan ng bola, eh. Nakinig lang ako sa kanila tapos nagtiwala lang din ako sa sarili kong kapag pinalo nila, [automatic] makukuha ko ‘yung bola, maba-block ko sila,” Pecaña said during the post-game press conference.
[RELATED STORY: Choco Mucho’s blocking prowess on full display in five-set victory vs Galeries Tower]
Pecaña was the Flying Titans' lone pick in the 2024 Draft after being selected 11th overall.
Pecaña actually played sparingly during the 2024 Reinforced Conference but was tasked by Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin to be among the team's starters in the new conference.
She hopes to repay that trust by giving her 100 percent on the taraflex.
“Ang laking role na ibinigay ni coach Dante sa'kin, ‘yung posisyong nasa first six ka. Tapos as a rookie, ‘yung tiwalang ibinibigay niya, nandoon na. So, dapat ako rin, magtitiwala rin ako sa sarili ko kung gaano nagtitiwala rin sa'kin ‘yung mga kasama ko,” said Pecaña.
“Dapat ‘yung tibay ng loob ko, determinasyon ko sa araw araw na training, ganoon din dapat ‘yung ibinibigay ko sa bawat laro namin,” she emphasized.
Despite some rookie jitters, Pecaña is looking to build her self-confidence in helping the Flying Titans secure more wins in the conference.
“Kagaya ng sinabi sa'kin ni coach Dante, alam niyang nanghihingi na ako ng tulong kanina kasi tumingin na ako sa kanya. Sabi niya na ‘wag ganon. So tinibayan ko lang talaga,” Pecaña bared.
“Alam kong magpi-fifth set, dapat mas matibay ako. Mas matibay ‘yung ipapakita ko kaysa sa fourth set na down na down na ako [kahit] isang mali lang,” she added.