Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ Pauline Gaston during a PVL All-FIlipino Conference game. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Pauline Gaston provided the much-needed spark for Chery Tiggo to complete the 12 months with a 4-2 record within the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gaston nailed the crucial blows within the fourth set to force a decider and complete a come-from-behind 30-28, 20-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-8 win over the gritty Galeries Tower on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
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The star middle blocker, who finished with 14 points, said she simply turned to what has been their biggest strength this conference: teamwork.
READ: PVL: Chery Tiggo withstands Galeries to get back on target
“What really stuck with me was what Coach Norman [Miguel] said throughout the last game—that one person’s point is everyone’s point, and one person’s error is everyone’s error. It was truly a team effort,” said Gaston.
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“It began with Jennifer [Nierva]’s great passes, which allowed the setter to deliver good sets. All the things began to flow within the fourth and fifth sets. Everyone the coaches trusted to place in really delivered. And it began in training. I owe every thing to the coaches.”
Chery Tiggo Crosssovers during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game against Galeries. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Chery Tiggo coach Norman Miguel knew that Gaston would spell the difference for the Crossovers, saying she has been one among their hardworking players in practice.
“Ponggay really gives her all in training on daily basis; she’s the one who consistently pushes herself. It’s great to see her applying that now,” said Miguel. “The points she contributed earlier were really game-changing. I’m so pleased with her.”
READ: Pauline Gaston pays tribute to dad with jersey number change
After losing three key players including Eya Laure’s request for a contract buyout, the Crossovers under recent coach Miguel won 4 of their first six games for the solo fourth place.
Gaston believes a results of everyone’s willingness to work together.
“There are a whole lot of surprise aspects because many players aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zones, due to our coaches,” the previous Ateneo captain said.
“Our coaches really push us beyond our limits, showing us that we are able to do more. This helps us grow overall as players because all of us wish to improve together as a family.”
Entering the long break, Gaston and Crossovers will proceed to bank on their strong bond ahead of a tougher 2025.
“Trust the method because this can be a rebuilding stage,” she said. “I imagine in the method, within the coaches, and in my teammates—that the connection, jive, and chemistry Coach Norman talks about will eventually come out. At the top of the day, it’s not nearly skills; character also matters. I do know that 2024 was a test of our character. Hopefully, in 2025, we are able to show who Chery Tiggo truly is.”
