Kat Tolentino doesn’t mind taking a backseat in Choco Mucho’s rotation as long as she can deliver what is needed of her in the club’s campaign in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
A starter since the Flying Titans joined the league in 2019, Tolentino found herself playing a relief role for Caitlyn Viray under the system of head coach Dante Alinsunurin since taking over the coaching reins early this year.
“I just have to be patient and understand that we all have our roles and whatever role he gives me, I have to be ready, I have to be more prepared,” the two-time PVL Open Conference Best Opposite Spiker winner said.
The 28-year-old Filipino
-Canadian saw limited minutes in Choco Mucho’s four-set loss to defending champion Creamline and went scoreless last Sunday.
But four days later, Tolentino played a solid third set in the Flying Titans’ 25-18, 25-13, 25-17, bounce back win over Farm Fresh.
The Ateneo de Manila University standout stepped on the floor as a starter in the third frame — her only time on the court — and finished with four points.
“Kat is always ready. I keep telling her to wait for her time and be ready when the team needs her. Just be patient,” Alinsunurin said.
“Even before this game, I already told her to be ready for our next game.”
Tolentino, who is noticeably skinnier than the last conference, was just happy to see action for the
crowd-drawing club.
“I think I was a bit excited. I had a lot of adrenaline but going into the game, I was confident because I was practicing in training. I think any player who was on the court, they were ready. It was good that we’re able to contribute,” she said.
Adjusting to a different role wasn’t hard, Tolentino said.
What is important is that she could deliver whenever her number is called.
