They’re gonna come back stronger, for sure.
Petro Gazz Angels coach Oliver Almadro remained optimistic even after settling for silver in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Almadro chose to stick to the positives in the aftermath of a 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 loss to Creamline Cool Smashers in Game 3 of the epic finale.
“I’m still happy. I’m happy we had this run,” said Almadro after the match in front of 12,000 screaming fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Creamline simply outworked the Angels, according to Almadro.
“Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, sabi ko sa team. We are one set from a championship. We are 15 points away from the championship. That's how Creamline outworked us. That 15 points,” he said, referring to Game 2, where the Angels had the chance to finish off the Cool Smashers but could not quite close the show.
“Makikita mo, we’re outworked but we’re not outclassed. We’re not outsmarted. My players, my team did very well and showed their character, that up to the last point they will fight no matter what. So I’m proud of my team."
The silver medal finish, in fact, was not bad for the new coach. But he deflected credit to his “humble, hardworking, and mature” players.
“Those players na feeling nila kulang sila dati, pero ngayon na-feel nila na they are worth it, na meron pa sila mabubuga. They proved themselves na they are really players na aabot pa rin ng finals kahit nakulangan sila,” he said.
“Sometimes its not about the skills. Most of the time its about the character. The character of these players, kung alam niyo lang how they work during practice, during huddles, during viewing, dadali ang buhay ng coach because they really involve themselves. They really listen.”
It may not be today, but coach O knows they will capture the championship soon.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)