PVL: Remy Palma, Petro Gazz determined to go beyond semifinals

Petro Gazz Angels’ Remy Palma.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Remy Palma vowed that the Petro Gazz Angels won’t stop working hard after they clinched a semifinals ticket in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Palma said returning to the semifinals is just a stepping stone for the Angels as they remained hungry to make a deeper run this conference.

“Reaching the semis is a stepping stone. Every day we always say [take it] one game at a time. And it’s up to us if we will want it more or we will let go of the chances given to us,” said Palma in Filipino after their 25-15, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16 victory over the also-ran Akari on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

“Our hard work should be non-stop. If we will let up in the semis, all our hard work from the start will be non-sense,” she added.

Palma was one of the five double-digit scorers in Petro Gazz’s third straight win. She nailed a game-high three blocks to finish with 13 points. 

The former Far Eastern University stalwart was leading the best blocker race, with a total of 14 blocks, averaging 0.70 per set, prior to this game.

“Coach always reminds us that we need to have a personal goal. So for me, I want to do my role and show what I can. I don’t need to do anything fancy or what. I just have to do my job,” Palma said. “The result will always follow after. I have to embrace my role so it will help my teammates for us to play well.”

Palma and the Angels, who hold a 5-2 record, seek to end the elimination round on a high note against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Tuesday in Iloilo.

“We made it to the semis but we still have one more game and we want to win so we can bring our momentum going to the semis,” Palma said. “We’re also going to Iloilo and it’s our chance to give back to the fans there, by giving them a good match.”

“We will prepare harder because the level of competition is going up so we have to be more prepared,” she added.