PAULINE Gaston unleashed her best game wearing a Chery Tiggo jersey on Thursday as she collected 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 14 receptions against Choco Mucho in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
Gaston's all-around performance helped the Crossovers score a 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 victory over the Flying Titans, her former team.
That win not only bolstered Chery Tiggo's semifinals bid but also closed the door for Choco Mucho to advance in the next round.
Gaston admitted that the feeling of helping her current team win and putting an end to the playoffs chances of her ex-teammates is 'bittersweet.'
'When I saw them (ex-teammates), I really missed them. They are still complete, I was the only one who left. But I just tried to set my emotions and played professionally. I guess it's an advantage for me because I know them and their tendencies. I guess I was able to contribute a lot in this game because it's my former team,' said Gaston, who played for Choco Mucho for four PVL conferences since 2021.
'I have great respect for them and I think they played really well. It's bittersweet.'
Gaston credited the Chery Tiggo coaching staff and her teammates for her performance, saying that the crucial win also snapped their three-game losing streak and catapulted them in fourth place with a 4-3 slate and 13 points.
'I really have to thank my teammates and my coaches because they gave me an opportunity and I felt their trust. And I've been working hard because Mylene Paat inspires us. And everyone in the team is exerting a lot of effort like EJ Laure, Shaya Adorador, and our middles,' said the 25-year-old wing spiker.
'I was able to adopt the kind of character they have because we keep on pushing each other to reach the top. I think it was a collaborative effort. For me, I'm always ready and I trust the coaches, I trust my teammates regardless if my number gets called or not.'
Gaston and the Crossovers will play their final game in the elimination round against Petro Gazz on March 14 at the San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.