Colegio de San Juan de Letran rookie Gia Maquilang is proving that her performance in the recent NCAA Season 99 beach volleyball competition was no fluke.

The outside hitter from Batuan, Bohol was named Rookie MVP in the outdoor event, helping Letran defend its crown in the sands with Lara Mae Silva and younger sister Joji.

Transitioning to indoor volleyball, Maquilang admitted to GMA Regional TV News that there was pressure to deliver, especially with the new system brought in by Coach Oliver Almadro.

“Yes may mga pressure, especially sa coaches, kasi may bagong sistema… naninibago pa lang kami, parang one or two months pa lang kami naka-adjust ni ate Lara [Mae Silva],” she said.

In their first game in Season 99, Maquilang delivered 17 points consisting of 14 attacks and three service aces in their victory over Arellano.

In the second game, Maquilang was named best player, exploding with 19 points and 11 excellent digs against the powerhouse Perpetual.

Almadro commended the rookie for her recent performance while also looking for consistency, especially when the game’s intensity gets high.

“Ang maganda kasi kay Gia she’s really coachable. Sometimes, she tend to be overwhelmed but kailangan turuan ng tapering the expectation, tapering the energy, kasi, sometimes, too much energy hindi naman tama… low energy hindi naman tama,” Almadro said.

An early sign of the young standout’s maturity was seen when she had to use her off hand to deliver the game-winning spike in between the block of Lady Altas’ Jhasmine Sapin and Charisse Enrico.

“Take the chance na lang talaga, adjust na lang,” Maquilang said.

Despite their early wins, she admitted that they have to trust the process and take one game at a time to reach the promised land.

“Sabi ni Coach O [Oliver Almadro], bawal magmadali, dapat dahan-dahan lang, be positive… at for sure, mga seniors ko po, natutuwa kasi ilang years na daw na hindi nakapasok yung Letran [sa final four],” she added.

As coachable as she is, Maquilang is grateful for the coaching staff’s guidance on and off the court.

“Player pa lang ako… may naranasan na sila, may na-experience na silang ganito, may mga mistakes sa buhay tapos hindi din nila gustong maulit namin,” she said.