Jonah Sabete knew it would take more than scoring for the Petro Gazz Angels to finally take down the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
ANTIPOLO—Jonah Sabete embraced the moment as the Petro Gazz Angels secured a crucial four-set victory over the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers, 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the Ynares Center here on Saturday.
Named Player of the Game, Sabete delivered a well-rounded performance with 19 points, including 14 attacks and five blocks.
However, rather than focusing on scoring, the veteran outside hitter emphasized her defensive contributions.
“Inisip ko lang po na kailangan din ako nila, so siyempre nandun pa rin ‘yung pagka-miss sa paglalaro. Hindi nawawala ‘yun so inisip ko lang kailangan nila ako. Hindi ko inisip na mag-points nang mag-points, inisip ko po talaga is defense and blocking this game,” Sabete said during the post-game press conference.
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With the Cool Smashers threatening to rally after taking the third set, Sabete credited team composure as the key to their success.
As soon as the fourth set began, Petro Gazz immediately distanced themselves from Creamline, not allowing an reverse sweep attempt to pull through.
“For me, like composure lang ng bawa't isa talaga. Kailangan din talaga may mag-remind na like after the points, once nag-point ang Creamline, we need to counter din talaga after that. Kahit paano nagawa din naman maayos kahit medyo minsan nawawala,” said Sabete.
But as big as the win was over the defending champions, the 31-year-old opposite hitter knows it’s just one step to their ultimate goal of reaching the Finals.
“Actually, lahat naman ng teams I mean malaking bagay, sa lahat kailangan manalo talaga this conference. So, counted lahat,” said Sabete.
As the semifinals continue, Petro Gazz will aim to sustain its momentum when the Angels battle the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, April 1.