Motherhood statement
The Akari Chargers had a lucky charm on the sidelines as the team pulled off a reverse sweep win from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
Justine Jazareno, who is currently on temporary leave due to her pregnancy, was in attendance to support her fellow Chargers as they battled it out with the Flying Titans.
Aside from her excitement about motherhood, Jazareno is also excited about coming back to the taraflex court and playing for Akari again.
“Maybe a month or two [after giving birth], I will return,” the star libero said when asked about her plans for a Premier Volleyball League comeback.
Jazareno said that she is due to give birth on Aug. 23.
Since taking a leave of absence, the 24-year-old libero maintained the discipline and balance of her playing days as she trekked the path of an expectant mother.
“Knowing that when you get pregnant, you gain weight, I made sure to try and keep my weight in check,” the former La Salle star said. “I also exercised continuously so that I won’t have a hard time getting back [into game shape].”
Jazareno does light workouts, yoga and stretching to remain active while pregnant. She added that she follows the advice of Akari’s conditioning coach and head coach Taka Minowa on maintaining her physical condition while on leave.
“Coach Taka gave me a [lightweight] volleyball [to train with],” Jazareno said, adding that she practices digging and passing by herself or on building walls.
Currently, the libero duties for the PVL Reinforced League fall on the shoulders of former Ateneo standout Dani Ravena and ex-Far Eastern University starter Max Juangco.
“They [Dani and Max] are highly appreciated because even if I stepped down, they are there to help the team and they stepped up for the team,” Jazareno said.
Once she returns, however, Jazaereno is determined to regain her spot on the floor and prove herself in the professional league again.
“No matter what happened, I can go back to the way that I play,” Jazareno said. “That’s what I can promise.”
