Paat-Rezanova backup role pays off for Foxies
Mylene Paat-Rezanova isn't in the starting six for Farm Fresh right now. And the Paat-Rezanova backup role might be exactly what the Foxies needed. The 32-year-old opposite spiker has embraced coming off the bench, and it's working.
She was recently named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week. In three games, she has thrived in that reserve spot, giving Farm Fresh a spark whenever she checks in. Not a bad way to spend what could be her farewell tour, right?
"Kailangan lang ng positive mindset," Paat-Rezanova said. Translation: you just need a positive mindset. She hinted this could be her final season as a pro, with plans to focus on herself and her family.
Five-set comeback over Choco Mucho
The clearest example came last Thursday. Farm Fresh came from behind to beat Choco Mucho in five sets, and Paat-Rezanova was right in the middle of it.
She came off the bench and led the club with 15 points. She also patrolled the net with a match-high four blocks. That's the kind of bench production coaches dream about.
The win pushed Farm Fresh to 2-1 and strengthened its semifinal bid. For a team chasing a breakthrough PVL championship, every contribution counts. Paat-Rezanova promised to help the franchise get there.
Akari Chargers up next for Farm Fresh
Farm Fresh won't have long to enjoy it. The Foxies face the Akari Chargers at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Akari sits at 1-2, so this is a chance for Farm Fresh to stay ahead in the standings.
Paat-Rezanova will likely be needed again. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, her role stays the same: bring energy, score when called on, and anchor the net defense.
Also on Tuesday's slate, Choco Mucho (2-1) takes on Galeries Tower (0-3) at 6 p.m. at the same venue. Spikers' Turf action fills the 3:30 p.m. slot with AFP vs VNS.
Farewell tour with a positive mindset
Paat-Rezanova knows the end of her playing career is coming. She's 32, and she's thinking about life after volleyball. But she's not letting that distract her from the present.
Instead, she's proving that a backup role can matter just as much as a starting one. Farm Fresh is better for it. And if this really is her last run, she's going out with a positive mindset — and a few big blocks to remember.
Source credit: philstar.com.
