Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Petron underwent one massive shakeup in the offseason when most of its core players left.
But for returning import Kath Bell not everything is entirely new with the Blaze Spikers despite the major changes.
“Coming back is great, I love it so much and like I said it’s different environments, different roster, different coaches, but it’s the same mentality, the same kind of philosophy,” said Bell after the Blaze Spikers’ 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 sweep of Generika-Ayala.
“We’re still working hard and trying to get to that final draw.”
Bell first played with Petron in the 2019 Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix where she won the Best Outside Spiker in the Blaze Spikers’ title run in the conference.
Bell picked up where she left off, firing 17 points in the win.
The Petron team Bell is playing in this season is far different from the title team she suited up for with Mika Reyes, Denden Lazaro, Rhea Dimaculangan, Cherry Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Chinchin Basas all gone.
Emil Lontoc has also replaced Shaq Delos Santos as the team’s head coach.
Rondina and Pons, the country’s best female beach volleyball players, opted to focus more on the sand court.
Replacing the former core are Ging Balse-Pabayo, Becca Rivera, Angela Nunag, Jem Gutierrez, Lut Malaluan, and Mary Grace Berte.
“There are certain girls who are coming from certain teams and you know the environment, the gym is completely different,” said Bell. “There’s no major adjustment, and everyone’s getting along pretty well.”