Petro Gazz Angels’ import Wilma Salas in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Wilma Salas and the Petro Gazz Angels offer their ‘three-peat’ campaign in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference to their late teammate Janisa Johnson.
Leading Petro Gazz’s mission for a third consecutive Reinforced title, the Cuban spiker’s motivation is winning a championship for her ex-teammate and former Finals MVP Johnson, whom she conspired with when the Angels won their first title five years ago.
“[I’m] sad because Janisa is not here in this life [anymore]. I came to the league in this conference for Janisa. So every point, every [game], we think of Janisa,” said Salas after scoring 15 points in their 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 win over ZUS Coffee on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
Johnson passed away at age 32 on May 25 after a long battle with colon cancer.
“Her amazing smile every time. I missed it so much about JJ because she pushed [her teammates] and was very smart every game. I miss her so much,” Salas, the The 2019 Best Foreign Guest Player, said.
A jersey No.10 with an angel’s wing was printed on Petro Gazz’s jersey this midseason conference.
Wilma Salas misses Janisa.#PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rCZAafSOMQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 18, 2024
Brooke Van Sickle, who didn’t have a chance to play with Johnson, hopes to honor the former Petro Gazz star as she wears the same number.
“I wasn’t able to meet her but everything I’ve heard was just wonderful things. Everyone has so much love for her. We actually met her best friend a couple of weeks ago she came in practice with us and birds of the same feather flock together, the friend was amazing,” said the reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP, who scored 22 points.
READ: PVL: Petro Gazz opens title bid with sweep of ZUS Coffee
“I wished I could have been able to watch her play and play with her but I’m happy to be able to be wearing the same number and. Hopefully, I can continue to play well and get that win for her.”
Marina Terrell, Johnson’s best friend, visited Petro Gazz and tried out for the team during the Volleyball Nations League Week 3. She didn’t earn a spot but she had a chance to share her story about her friend.
Salas is playing with a different Petro Gazz squad as the only 2019 team members left were Chie Saet, Djanel Cheng, and Jonah Sabete but she still feels at home.
“About the new teammates. I think it’s the same, it feels like 2019. I feel the same team because every day they gave [me] confidence. I only need more time for sure because I only trained for four days for sure I can be better in the future,” she said.
Salas also marveled at the PVL’s rise as they play Capital1 in their next Pool B on Tuesday next week.
“I see the level here in the Philippines is higher and the teams have very good imports I can see. It’s normal you know, every time you see a new style and new player [improving every year],” Salas said.