Djanel Cheng and the Petro Gazz Angels during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — With a sudden surge last year fueled by a stronger connection, the Petro Gazz Angels look to sustain that momentum heading into the resumption of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Angels won four straight games to end 2024 on top of the standings with a 5-1 record with Brooke Van Sickle sustaining her MVP form and Myla Pablo flautning her resurgence.
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But both setters Djanel Cheng and Chie Saet believe that the key to their winning streak has been their stronger chemistry.
PVL All-Filipino resumption: what happened and what to expect
“We really clicked this time; no matter the set or the receive, we found a way,” said setter Cheng.
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Saet said that Van Sickle and Pablo make their job easier with their offensive prowess but their familiarity with the preferred sets of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jonah Sabete as well as middle blockers Remy Palma and MJ Phillips has been the game changer for Peto Gazz.
“Our job as setters becomes easier, especially for Djanel and me, when we have spikers like Myla and Brooke,” Saet said. “The responsibility we have as setters is tough because we always have to adjust to different timings.”
READ: SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025
Their improved passing, a clear result of their better chemistry, also led to their hot start in this six-month competition.
“I think our passing was a big factor. As setters, we gain our confidence from the passes, and of course, if we have good passes, we can deliver the ball properly to the spikers,” Saet said.
Cheng credited the better communication with Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara and the dedication of the coaching staff to improving the players and scouting their opponents.
“We all had communication, even if it wasn’t perfect, there was better communication with Coach Koji and among the players,” Cheng said. “Our stats showed we had a good read on the opponent, and the support during each game helped. Those on the sidelines immediately pointed out the opponent’s weaknesses, how to approach the play, and the type of sets to use.”
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Petro Gazz returns to action on Tuesday next week against Chery Tiggo at Philsports Arena.
