Mama P still dominated, as her points alone was more than enough to win a set.
For Pauline Gaston, it was all about trusting the process.
Fans were looking for the outside hitter when the Chery Tiggo Crossovers first played in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference against the Cignal HD Spikers. She was there, but only at the sidelines.
On Saturday though, Gaston finally made it to the court in the white and red jersey, making a total of 8 points and 7 excellent receptions.
She was a welcome addition to the Chery Tiggo, who beat the Army-Black Mamba Energy Drink Lady Troopers in their first match of the conference, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 25-12.
"I super trust the process and I trust the Lord. Alam ko may plano sila. Kahit 'di ako ginamit nung first game, baka 'di 'yun 'yung tamang time na ipasok ako," Gaston told the media after the game.
Coach Aaron Velez credited his staff for helping Gaston and other newcomers libero Bingle Landicho and middle blocker Seth Rodriguez get into the system, "It's really all about timing. The coaching staff was able to give proper guidance para makapagsimula siya nang maayos."
"Ang maganda kanina, nag-submit bawat isa, walang naging mataas," Velez added.
And it was that teamwork that led team captain Mylene Paat to deliver a monster performance of 26 points, coming off 22 attacks and 4 blocks, along with 12 excellent digs. It was the 2022 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player's second straight dominant game, after making 15 against Cignal.
"'Di ko makukuha 'yung points na 'yun kung 'di dahil sa teammates ko," she said after the match. "Lahat kami pumupuntos. Siguro nagiging advantage lang ng bawat isa 'yung fighting spirit inside the court."
As a newcomer, Gaston quickly picked up on the strong collaboration that the squad hopes to make its brand, "Ang laki ng tiwala namin sa isa't isa... Kahit sino, pwedeng ipasok, 'yun 'yung plan."
"I'm just glad na lahat kami na pinasok, nakapaglaro at nakapagdeliver ng maayos," she added. "I feel it's really a collaborative effort. 'Di siya yung isa lang umaangat."
Asked whether she is happy with her transfer from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, she said, "Of course, of course. No regrets. I'm home na."