New import feels right at home at PetroGazz

PetroGazz’ new import in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference may have joined the team for just a couple of days but she already feels a familial connection with the Angels.

Olena Lymareva-Flink arrived in the Philippines on Thursday and she didn’t waste any time in making herself familiar with her new team.

The Ukrainian outside hitter immediately practiced with the team and her dedication to the craft was evident when she led the Angels over Iriga-Navy in straight sets, 25-22, 30-28, 25-13, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

“These girls are super nice and everybody will support you and it’s really like a family,” said Lymareva-Flink. “Everybody helps everybody and I feel like I played with a family.”

Lymareva-Flink replaced Kadi Kullerkann after the latter aggravated a recurring injury on her right knee.

PetroGazz head coach Jerry Yee said was impressed with his import’s dedication especially with how Lymareva-Flink battled through partial dehydration in her first day in the Philippines.

“She’s a hard worker, she’s been traveling for so long so when she arrived she didn’t want to get some rest and she wanted to practice immediately,” said Yee in Filipino. “She already had a problem in her first practice because of the heat and we gave her Hyrdite so she would feel better.”

Lymareva-Flink, who had 16 points in her debut, said she can’t afford to take it easy in her first game since she was familiar with the Angels’ standing in the league.

“We have a game and I should prepare myself for it because it was a very important game for the team,” said Lymareva-Flink whose team improved to 2-3.