Mars Alba rises to challenge of filling Deanna Wong’s shoes

Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba took the challenge of filling in for injured starter Deanna Wong head on and passed her debut with flying colors in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

With Wong sidelined due to a nagging knee injury, Alba was handed the reins of the offense and steered the Flying Titans to a 25-12, 25-22, 25-18 victory over Nxled on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

“Syempre po, merong [pressure] pero ginamit ko na lang ‘yun as a challenge kasi siyempre, hindi naman [madali] ‘yung i-fifill in ko na position given na last conference, silver medalist sila,” said Alba after the win.

The former La Salle setter also thanked Wong, who was seen handing out instructions to Alba during the match, for guiding her throughout her debut.

“Thankful din ako kay Deanna (Wong) kasi gina-guide niya ako throughout this game,” she added.

She finished with 18 excellent sets and two points in her first game for the Flying Titans, who recruited her after the sudden disbandment of F2 Logistics after the 2023 PVL season.

Alba admitted that she is still adjusting to Choco Mucho’s system, which is why she is very thankful to head coach Dante Alinsunurin for still giving her the opportunity and trusting her to fill in for Wong.

“Siyempre, thank you kay Lord, thank you sa mga coaching staff and teammates na nagtiwala sa’kin. Marami pang kailangang i-adjust kasi given na bago lang ako sa team, nangangapa pa ako sa sistema nila Coach (Dante Alinsunurin), pero getting there,” said the former UAAP Finals MVP.

“For me, ‘yun nga, thankful ako na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity. Susundin ko lang ‘yung sistema nila coach kasi bago lang din ako eh. So lahat ng pwede kong ibigay and pwede kong matulong sa team, gagawin ko.”