Marlee Smith said she has more to offer to Choco Mucho after scoring 20 points in what she called a ‘jittery debut’ in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
Smith, who missed the previous straight-set win over Cignal due to the lack of a special working permit, finally played her first game in the PVL, only for Choco Mucho to be swept by PLDT, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19, on Thursday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
‘It was a little nerve-wracking. I feel like this first game was for me to get the jitters out. It exposed to me what I need to work on and how to come for the next game,’ said the American hitter, who had 17 kills, two blocks, and an ace.
‘I’m happier that I get to learn. I think I played okay, but definitely not my best game.’
The former Nakhon Ratchasima import, who played in the AVC Champions League in Pasig last May, vows to play stronger next game against Nxled on Tuesday next week.
‘I was thinking higher but I didn’t know I scored 20 right now. For me to have an off game and say I scored 20, that just made me happy. I definitely expected a little more from myself,’ she said. ‘I’m satisfied because I get to learn. Everything will be alright. We get to train and come back on Tuesday. I think next Tuesday will be much better for me.’
Smith is also embracing her new role as outside spiker, having been converted from playing opposite for the past years.
‘I don’t think it was much of a challenge. Moving from the position that you’ve been playing for years to a different position, that just shows that my coaches trust me and my teammates,’ said Smith. ‘I take it and I’m running with it. I’m not nervous anymore.’
Despite not getting a winning debut, Smith is just happy to finally don her Choco Mucho uniform after missing the action in the first game.
‘After the first game, you realize what to expect and how the crowd will be. I feel more confident now. It’s going to be a good conference for us,’ said Smith.