PVL: Djanel Cheng embraces grind to deliver for Petro Gazz after AVC stint

Djanel Cheng and the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — No rest, no problem for Petro Gazz Angels’ Djanel Cheng.

Cheng committed to play and run the plays for the Angels in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference despite coming off a national team duty with teammate Aiza Maizo-Pontillas in the recently-concluded Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup in Indonesia.

Cheng and Pontillas arrived on Tuesday morning hours before their campaign opener against Cignal, but the pair still insisted on playing in the Angels’ four-set loss to the HD Spikers.

Two days later, Petro Gazz bounced back behind the brilliance of Cheng, spoiling the PVL debut of Foton, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20, for its first win in Pool B to improve to a 1-1 record on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“It’s our commitment. We’re committed to both teams so we have to find a way,” said the setter in Filipino after dishing out 20 excellent sets and scoring eight points.

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The former College of Saint Benilde stalwart, who had a breakout game of nine points built on a team-high five blocks in the Philippines’ quarterfinal win over India, said she learned a lot in facing tall international players despite missing the semifinals and placing seventh out of 11 teams.

“It was a huge experience for me because I played against taller players. I’m also happy because we were able to win games,” she said.

Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro lauded the dedication of Cheng and Pontillas after playing for the country.

“They gave their all for the national team. The Petro Gazz family is really proud of them,” Almadro said.

“Djanel is a very responsible player because she will do her tasks and she also does some extra work on her own. During the time she practices with us and with the national team, she managed. She keeps on improving because she is not afraid of going through tough training. She is a team player and willing to sacrifice and work for her team. She improve more,” he added.

Cheng and Pontillas will finally get their break as their next game is scheduled on July 11 against the winless Farm Fresh (0-2) at Philsports Arena.

But with a 1-1 record in Pool B, Cheng wants her team to make the most of the break to address their lapses as only the top two teams from their group will advance to the semifinal round.

“In the first game we had a lot of lapses. It keeps on happening to us every season, every game, and every training. So we need to find ways because this is just a one-month league. When you lose (more games), you are already out,” Cheng said.