Her six-month break proved to be reinvigorating.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagle Pia Ildefonso caused quite a stir back in January when she decided to sit out the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament to “fight and grow through life’s battles outside the sport.”
The 5-foot-9 daughter of PBA legend Danny Ildefonso, however, could not get away from the sport she loves the most—at least not that long. Just last month, she announced a return to competitive volleyball by signing with the Farm Fresh Foxies, foregoing her remaining years of eligibility to play for the Katipunan-based squad.
And, on Tuesday, Ildefonso made her professional debut with the Foxies—but with a pretty major change.
Ildefonso, a middle blocker during her days as a Blue Eagle, played open spiker, subbing into the match at the third set of Farm Fresh’s 25-21, 31-29, 25-17 defeat to the Petro Gazz Angels in the continuation of the PVL Invitational Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The position change was unexpected to say the least.
"I was surprised because I was inserted as an open spiker in my position and role," said Ildefonso in the postgame presser. "Surprisingly, and thank God, I did well in terms of hitting and receiving, especially since throughout my entire UAAP career, I never played as an open spiker."
Yes, she did well, all right, and it probably has something to do with Ildefonso being reinvigorated and a lot more confident now thanks to her six-month break—a part of which she spent playing beach volleyball, apparently.
"I never said goodbye or gave up on indoor volleyball. I just took a break for personal reasons and to have a mental break from the indoor scene," Ildefonso explained. "That's why I pursued beach volleyball because I felt like I could express myself more freely in the outdoor setting. Now that I have regained my confidence, I am ready to play indoor volleyball again."
Ildefonso certainly looked ready on Tuesday. Best believe she will be ready every game.