GAMES SATURDAY
(Dasmarinas Arena, Cavite)
4 p.m.– Farm Fresh vs. Capital1
6:30 p.m.– Chery Tiggo vs. Galeries Tower
DESPITE the exit of coach Koji Tzurabara, who left the country last week, the Petro Gazz Angels are determined to prove they have the heart of a champion.
In the team’s first match without the Japanese coach, who steered the squad to its first title in the Premier Volleyball League, the Angels wrapped up their pool phase campaign with a come-from-behind victory against Choco Mucho Flying Titans 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 last Tuesday at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur
“Para sa mga bata talaga, Nakita nyo naman kung papano sila nagtulong-tulong. Iying effort nila kahit mahabang rally, hindi sila bumibigay,” said interim coach Brian Esquibel, who is calling the shots for the team in the PVL on Tour.
“Andun pa rin iyong pusong kampeon ng mga bata,” he added.
Esquibel, who handles the Letran men’s volleyball team, remained mum on Tsuzurabara’s departure but said he will do his part to inspire the Angels.
“I’m not the right person na magsalita para dito pero siyempre ako gagawin ko iyong trabaho na ibinigay sa akin ng Petro Gazz to handle this team sa On Tour,” he said.
The veteran mentor said they are focusing on improving their floor defense, along with other team skills, after struggling in their past losses.
Recently, Petro Gazz added seasoned player Bang Pineda to bolster their defense.
“Nag-focus kami sa floor defense kasi iyon iyong nawala talaga sa amin before na sa past three games namin, iyong losing streak na iyon, hindi kami nakakdepensa.
Meron kaming atake pero iyong depensa napakababa. That’s why doon kami nag-focus. Iyon blocking, iyong floor defense, even iyong service naming,” he said.
Next Tuesday, the Angels will fight for their lives in the knockout stage of the preseason tourney as they clash with the Akari Changers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
