Jonah Sabete embraced the challenge of being the team's opposite hitter as she helped the Petro Gazz Angels take down the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
With Myla Pablo's resurgence and superstar Brooke Van Sickle's steady presence, Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara decided to field spiker Jonah Sabete in a different role—something she did not expect.
Sabete was put into the opposite hitter role, where she seemingly thrived with her fellow spikers.
The 30-year-old spiker contributed 17 points to help the Angels take down the PLDT High Speed Hitters in four sets, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, December 10.
“Lagi naman sinasabi nila na ready always kasi hindi nila alam kung ano ‘yung position na ilalagay kahit dati pa naman ganun pa rin kung saan man ilagay magpe-perform pa rin ako,” Sabete said during the post-game press conference.
Sabete saw limited action in Petro Gazz’s first few matches in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference as well as the 2024 Reinforced Conference due to a left calf injury.
But with the trust of Tsuzurabara and her teammates, Sabete took it as a challenge to shine in a new position.
“Tiwala na lang sa sarili at saka ang laki din ng impact ng coaching staff: You can do it we know you. Kailangan ka namin, ganito ka, palaban ka,” said Sabete.
“Na-boost 'yung confidence ko kahit minsan pa off andyan pa rin naman sila to guide me. Sinasabi nga nila paluin mo lang bahala ka ma-block, ko-cover kami. Happy naman na naging ganito performance ko,” she added.
Along with Sabete, Brooke Van Sickle had a solid outing of 21 points, 12 digs, and eight excellent receptions, while Myla Pablo continued her strong performances with a conference-high 19 markers.
The Angels will have one more game before the Christmas break as they close out the year against the unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, December 14 at the same venue.
Fil-Canadan spiker Savi Davison had a game-high 28 points but was not enough as PLDT were dealt back-to-back losses.
The High Speed Hitters will use the break to regroup and get back on track when they face the Akari Chargers on January 18.