By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Pauline “Ponggay” Gaston recently made the headlines of the Philippine professional volleyball scene after a stunning decision of leaving the Choco Mucho Flying Titans heading into the upcoming conference of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
After building up her career with the Flying Titans, the former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles became the newest recruit of the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers.
The Pro Crossovers announced the recent development after posting Gaston’s photo during her official contract signing while wearing her new squad’s jacket.
“Welcome to the team, Pauline Gaston! What a way to start the year off. We look forward to a thrilling journey ahead with you,” Chery Tiggo posted on their social media accounts.
Gaston was a staple member of Choco Mucho when they made back-to-back playoff runs since entering the women’s pro league last 2019.
The Flying Titans made an impressive debut during the 2021 PVL bubble conference held in Ilocos Norte and immediately turned heads despite being one of the youngest teams in the league.
Gaston teamed up with her college teammates in Choco Mucho and had a solid kick-off together with Bea De Leon, Deanna Wong, and Maddie Madayag.
The 25-year-old star was the team’s starting spiker under former head coach Oliver Almadro but was suddenly relegated to the bench during the past two conferences in the PVL.
Choco Mucho’s decision of benching Gaston came after the arrival of former De La Salle University (DLSU) outside hitter Des Cheng and UP Fighting Maroons’ Isa Molde.
Gaston will have the opportunity to regain her lost playing time with the Pro Crossovers following the departure of former offensive superstar Dindin Santiago-Manabat who was recently released by Chery Tiggo.
Chery Tiggo will now have one of the most talented spiking trios in the league as Gaston will be reinforcing national team star Mylene Paat and EJ Laure.
