Petro Gazz gives new team Strong Group rude welcome in PVL
Petro Gazz Angels during a win over Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Petro Gazz spoiled Strong Group Athletics’ Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut with a 25-12, 25-20, 25-12 whipping in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Getting a bit more playing time under new coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system, Nicole Tiamzon lifted the Angels with 15 points built around 13 attacks and two aces.
“First game in the PVL so everyone, all the players are nervous,” Tsuzurabara said after a triumphant PVL debut. “[The Angels’] movement aren’t that good so there are a lot of mistakes so today is so-so.”
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
Filipino-American hitter Brooke van Sickle, who recently led her Petro Gazz to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League title, felt first-game jitters in her league debut and had a quiet night with only seven points.
“I felt like we’re a little tense, not really flowing as well. Probably first game jitters a little bit,” said Van Sickle, who was hailed PNVF Most Valuable Player recently.
“It’s still really good to start PVL with a win. Other team did really well, they blocked very well and they’re really scrappy so it was a good win,” she added.
Petro Gazz Angels’ Brooke Van Sickle has a quiet PVL debut on Tuesday.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The Angels needed only a little over an hour to clinch its first win in the new All-Filipino Conference after an overwhelming 42-15 attack advantage over the league newcomers.
Despite not suiting up hitters Jonah Sabete and KC Galdones, Petro Gazz still handily defeated SGA which struggled to put up points.
“Very thankful for the opportunity also to play. I am trying to get back on track also playing inside the court for straight sets,” Tiamzon said.
“We’re trying to find our chemistry also, it’s our first game so there are still a lot of lapses, a lot of errors,” she added as the Angels committed six more errors than SGA.
