Petro Gazz Angels during a PVL on Tour match against the Akari Chargers.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz rued blowing its chance to take the first set against Akari in their knockout game in the PVL on Tour Tuesday night.
The Angels soaked in all the lessons from missing the quarterfinals following a 32-30, 25-22, 25-19 loss to the Akari Chargers at Philsports Arena.
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“It was a big lesson for us. Our focus right now is still on improving both individually and as a team. There’s some regret because this was our chance to make it to the quarterfinals. This On Tour isn’t for the Angels,” said interim Petro Gazz coach Brian Esquibel in Filipino.
“Of course, it’s been challenging for them with the change in coaches, but we’re still sticking to Coach Koji’s system, and we know we need to bounce back,” he added.
The Angels missed the services of Alas Pilipinas players Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips and parted ways with champion coach Koji Tsuzurabara, who went back home to Japan in the middle of the preliminary round of the preseason.
Esquibel admitted it was a tough transition as they finished the tournament losing four of their six games.
“It’s a big adjustment from assistant coach to head coach, and leading the team is definitely challenging. There’s a lot of pressure,” he said.
READ: PVL: Myla Pablo, Petro Gazz remain focused amid coach’s sudden exit
“I can’t really compare abilities (with coach Koji), but what we’ll do is give our best. Not every player will be at their peak all the time. We also came from the AVC, so the All-Filipino league was long, and then we played in the AVC. We expected everyone’s game to drop a little, but we’re trying our best not to let it get to that point.”
Despite the challenges, Esquibel was mighty proud of his wards, led by Myla Pablo, and Nicole Tiamzon, who stepped up to the plate.
“It’s really proud to see how well they’re playing. There’s strong teamwork. It just didn’t go our way in the last game. But, after three straight losses, look at us now, we’re still trying our best. It’s all about team effort and showing the volleyball fans that the heart of Petro Gazz, the champion spirit, is still there,” he said.
Esquibel hopes the other Angels will continue to rise to the occasion when Van Sickle and Phillips rejoin the squad in the Reinforced Conference.
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“The next conference is the Reinforced, so we’ll have even more support. But everyone has to contribute. It’s not just about having Myla, Brooke, and MJ; everyone needs to step up, from the libero to the setter. We need the best team effort to win,” he said.
