Koji Tsuzurabara praised Remy Palma's leadership, calling her Petro Gazz’s hero in their PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal win over Creamline despite limited court time.
Despite limited court time, team captain Remy Palma made a huge impact in Petro Gazz’s four-set victory over defending champion Creamline, 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Saturday, March 29.
While many would point towards Brooke Van Sickle or Jonah Sabete as the difference-maker in the Angels’ huge victory, head coach Koji Tsuzurabara credited Palma as the team’s “hero” for her leadership and presence off the court.
Palma was subbed out in favor of Ranya Musa starting in the second set, but that didn’t stop her from pushing the team every timeout and deadball situation.
“I said today, our hero is Rem,” Tsuzurabara said during the post-game press conference. “She wasn’t on the court in the second set [or] third set, but she always advised her teammates, ‘Let’s go.’ She created a good atmosphere. She controlled the team, and that’s why we won. So yeah, Rem.”
The last time Petro Gazz beat Creamline was back in April 2024 during a five-set victory in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Back then, Tsuzurabara had also called Palma as the team's hero after showing her composure and leadership in the hard-fought win.
[ALSO READ: ‘She was our hero’ | Koji Tsuzurabara lauds Remy Palma’s leadership in Petro Gazz’s PVL escape over Creamline]
As for Palma’s part, it was all about embracing her role from the sidelines, keeping the team engaged and focused despite not being in the rotation.
“Ginampanan ko lang din ‘yung role ko, in or out of the court, kasi crucial din ‘yun eh,” Palma shared to reporters. “Siyempre, gusto ko rin makatulong sa loob ng court, pero hindi pinalad eh. But it won't stop there. May chance ka pang makatulong sa ibang paraan.”
As huge as the victory was for Petro Gazz, Palma emphasized the importance of staying grounded, reminding her teammates to shift their focus to the next game.
“Different story ulit ‘yung coming Tuesday. So tapos na ‘yun ngayon. Change agad,” she said. “Hindi kami pwedeng basta ma-overwhelm. Kasi pag nalula ka, kapag na-overwhelm ka, mabilis ka rin babagsak. Totoo ‘yan.”
With a renewed mindset, the Angels will focus on their next semifinal match against Choco Mucho at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, April 1, as they inch closer to a Finals spot.