Pocari Sweat's Iris Tolenada relishes role as main setter

MANILA, Philippines – The pressure to deliver as the starting setter is high, but Pocari Sweat's Iris Tolenada does not mind.

The reigning Shakey's V-League Open Conference champions started their Reinforced campaign on a sour note with a five-set heartbreaker against Air Force.

But the Lady Warriors quickly regrouped and demolished the Philippine Coast Guard Lady Dolphins, 25-17, 25-9, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena on Monday.

Although Tolenada started the match, Gyzelle Sy took over and dished 16 excellent sets.

"I try to stay in the moment. Gy is a great setter and she's an awesome teammate. She can do the job and I can do the job as well. We just support each other," she said.

Sy took over the setting chores for Pocari when Tolenada flew back to the US for work. She was a vital cog in the Lady Warriors' championship run in the Open conference.

As a former top pick in the Philippine SuperLiga draft, Tolenada said there is always pressure to deliver.

"My job as a setter is to run the offense, give the hitters a hittable ball and to help compose the team," she added.

Tolenada will soon re-assume her role as the team's main setter with Sy enlisting in the Philippine Army. She said her teammates are helping her fit in the system again.

"I just pray about it (pressure.) It's not something I can't handle especially with my teammates supporting me, including my coaches," said Tolenada.