Team captain Remy Palma reflects on the Petro Gazz Angels’ quarterfinal exit in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned throughout the tournament.
In the aftermath of the Petro Gazz Angels’ early exit from the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals, team captain Remy Palma candidly reflected on her squad’s performance.
The defending champions were easily dethroned by the Creamline Cool Smashers in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, August 27.
Despite the early exit, Palma emphasized the value of the experience gained throughout the competition.
"Siguro nagkulang din talaga kami as a team," Palma told reporters during Petro Gazz’s exit interview. “Hindi din pumabor 'yung mga pagkakataon, but still we did try our best. Babaunin ulit, another experience na naman, another opportunity.”
Petro Gazz’s campaign began with high hopes but was riddled with challenges throughout the conference.
The 28-year-old middle blocker pointed out the team's personal and collective struggles, including health issues that affected their preparation and performance.
“Ang daming nangyari. From off-season namin, tapos nag-season tayo, eliminations. Parang dun pa lang, naging ano na sa amin 'yun e, sa personal side ng team, nagkaroon ng mga sakit,” Palma explained.
Despite these hurdles, the Angels remained resilient, pushing themselves to compete at the highest level. Speaking from her personal experience, Palma shared the difficulties of recovering from illness while striving to return to peak condition.
“Triny namin 'yung best namin makabalik. Iniisip mo paano maibalik 'yung kondisyon mo. But still, we did try our best,” said Palma.
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Petro Gazz has historically been a force in the Reinforced Conference, winning the past two tournaments. However, this year’s competition served as a reminder that the PVL remains unpredictable.
"Bilog 'yung bola. Not everytime naman po 'pag sinabing Reinforced, sasabihin nila directly Petro Gazz kasi magaling sila mag-recruit ng import," said Palma.
“Siguro mas gawin lang namin siyang fire and motivation also to higher up the level of volleyball. Siguro mas 'yun nga, magiging lesson sa amin talaga, na mas ingatan 'yung sarili namin,” she added.
Looking ahead, Palma expressed optimism and determination as the Angels aim to bounce back in what is expected to be a longer All-Filipino Conference.
"Every conference may pagsubok. 'Di naman mawawala. So kaniya-kaniya lang ng way kung paano namin solusyunan or kung pa'no namin dalhin," said Palma.
“Ngayon, patalasan ng sistema, patalasan ng diskarte, ganun talaga. Tas pagandahan din ng preparation kasi mahaba, hindi siya basta-basta na two months, one and a half months, iba eh,” she concluded.