Despite struggling with injuries in the Finals, Myla Pablo's presence was crucial for the Petro Gazz Angels as they overcame the Creamline Cool Smashers to nab their first-ever PVL All-Filipino title.
The sight of Creamline on the other side of the net is nothing new for Myla Pablo—but her latest victory with Petro Gazz felt different.
Over the years, Pablo has been no stranger to the Cool Smashers.
She first crossed paths with the powerhouse squad back in 2017, as the lead scorer for Pocari Sweat, and later as the cornerstone of Motolite’s young roster.
Pablo faced them again wearing F2 Logistics colors. Each time, Creamline stood as both a familiar opponent and a stubborn roadblock, pushing her to her limits in every battle.
This season, wearing Petro Gazz red, Pablo once again found herself in the thick of the fight—only this time, the ending was finally in her favor.
After four tries, the Angels secured their first-ever PVL All-Filipino Conference title.
“Siyempre, nakalaban ko na rin ‘yung Creamline before, pero siyempre maraming mga adjustment din talaga this conference—lalo na, marami din mga pumasok na mga player,” Pablo told One Sports.
“We know naman Creamline team na ‘yan, hindi talaga sila bibitaw hangga’t hindi nila nakukuha. Pero kami, we’re ready din naman this game na makuha namin ‘yung championship na ito. Pinaghirapan ng lahat.”
But the road wasn’t without personal hurdles. Throughout the series, Pablo battled a calf injury that limited her explosiveness.
[ALSO READ: Myla Pablo determined to power through calf injury as Petro Gazz eyes PVL All-Filipino crown]
Still, in true veteran fashion, the 31-year-old spiker chose to play smart and lean on the trust she had in her teammates rather than force her body beyond its limits.
“Well, siyempre, ako naman, pag-hindi ko talaga kaya, hindi ko pinipilit ‘yung sarili ko kasi health ko ito eh,” Pablo explained. “Hindi naman ako superhero na may iniindang injury na hindi ko pa sasabihin sa team ko.”
“May tiwala ako sa mga kasama ko [and] alam kong mag-co-contribute sila sa team namin kaya I’m really happy na naging maganda rin talaga ‘yung plan ng mga coaches namin,” she added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Myla Pablo repays coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s trust with inspired form for Petro Gazz]
Pablo also made special mention of seasoned leader Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, whose presence helped steady the ship in crucial moments.
“You can see naman, nag-contribute din siya this Game 3 and I’m really happy na nandiyan siya na tumulong samin.”
[ALSO READ: Myla Pablo speaks on growing friendship with Aiza Maizo-Pontillas: 'Parang magkapatid']
From dealing with injuries in past conferences to finding her spot once more in Petro Gazz’s starting lineup, Pablo’s long journey back to top form finally found its perfect ending.