Petro Gazz’s Jonah Sabete in the PVL All-Filipino Cup. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jonah Sabete didn’t want to let Petro Gazz and coach Oliver Almadro down as she played instrumental in their straight-set win over Choco Mucho in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
With Almadro facing his former team, Sabete admitted the Angels wanted to win it for their new coach. Not only that, they didn’t also want to lose to a team that hasn’t beaten them since August 6, 2021, during the elimination round of the PVL Bubble in Ilocos Norte.
“We didn’t want to lose. We’re dedicating this game to coach [Oliver] because we’re facing Choco Mucho, a team that hasn’t beat us [for a long time]. Pinangatawanan namin yun like, never or kung makuha yung set, hindi talaga makakaisa sa amin yung Choco Mucho,” said Sabete after their 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 victory to improve to a 1-1 record.
After being limited to just a point in their straight-set loss to Creamline last Saturday, Sabete used her poor showing as motivation that resulted in a nine-point performance, including the game-winning spike to deliver Petro Gazz’s first victory of the season.
She was able to redeem herself with the help of Almadro.
“I really had a bad first game so I used it as a motivation. Coach told me that I wasn’t enjoying inside the court during the first game. So he reminded us to keep on smiling and enjoy every point and even the little contributions I can give to the team,” said Sabete. “Every time I commit mistakes and I fell down, coach always reminds me to enjoy because it can boost our morale.”
Almadro deflected the credit to the Angels for dominating the Flying Titans, saying their system is already built and his job is to keep on motivating them.
“They are really a mature team. Good thing, I found my way to this team. I also learn from them and I thanked them for this challenge,” said Almadro in Filipino. “They are a champion team, while I haven’t won a [PVL] title. They are helping me. Maybe this team will be the one to help me win a championship. I’m just happy because they’ve been helping me.”
Sabete also believes that the winning culture remains on their team despite the departures of Myla Pablo, Bang Pineda, Seth Rodriguez, and former coach Rald Ricafort.
“We’re still the same Petro Gazz plus the knowledge of coach [Oliver]. We accept all his suggestions and additional tactics to our system. It’s just up to us players how we will deliver,” she said. “Our team is transparent, knowing our ates, who are down to earth, it’s not difficult for us to make adjustments.”
Sabete seeks to keep Petro Gazz’s momentum going when they continue their campaign against the winless Cignal (0-2) on February 18 at Philsports Arena.