Despite all the comments doubting their talent, the Petro Gazz Angels know that they deserve to be part of the AVC Champions League.
Social media users had a lot to say when newly-crowned PVL champs Petro Gazz became the first Philippine team to fall in the 2025 AVC Champions League last April 21 in a 25-15, 25-16, 19-25, 25-20 loss to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Taipower.
While there were rational criticisms about Petro Gazz’s loss, naysayers were also quick to discredit the Angels, sending sarcastic comments in an attempt to downplay their historic breakthrough in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
But even with all the backlash they have received, it’s not something that the Angels are losing sleep over, either.
“‘Yung social media backlash naman, it’s always there, whenever we win, or whenever we lose, there are always comments about us, about our team,” longtime captain Remy Palma reflected when asked about the issue. “So, regardless, we will stay as a team, and we will play as a team.”
Online critics can voice out their opinion all they want, but Palma and Petro Gazz know they have proven their place within a “champion’s league” that includes some of Asia’s best club teams, such as Nakhon Ratchasima and VC Zhetysu, to name a few.
“Actually, I hope that they understand that this is a different stage, because ‘yun nga, hindi naman din magaaksaya ng panahon ‘yung mga international teams to visit and play in this ‘champion’s league’ kung hindi sila contender lahat,” Palma emphasized.
“So for us, we will add that to our learning experience, and hindi naman kapag natalo ka, wala ka nang matututunan eh. Dapat pag natalo ka, you acknowledge what happened and then you accept it. Move forward.”
Nearly 24 hours after their loss to Taipower, Petro Gazz proceeded to rebound in style, overwhelming Hong Kong’s Hip Hing 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 on Tuesday, April 22, to catch the last bus ride into the knockout quarterfinal rounds.
Petro Gazz’s offense had a field day in Tuesday’s victory as they converted 47 attack points, while limiting Hip Hing to a measly 10 kills. American import Gia Day led Petro Gazz with a team-high 18 points on 18 kills, while the one-two punch of Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips added nine markers apiece.
Along with tuning out any unnecessary noise, a team reflection after losing to Taipower also helped the Angels spread their wings in order to book a high-stakes date against BAIC Motor Volleyball Club this Thursday, April 24.
“I’d say we definitely felt more comfortable grooving a lot better. After last night’s loss, you know, we talked as a team, and we made sure that we’re collectively together moving forward,” Van Sickle said about Petro Gazz’s moment of reflection.
“And basically this morning, we just talked about it that ‘hey, no matter the result, let’s just have fun’. Because, you know, this was supposed to be enjoyable, this sport, so we just said, hey, it doesn’t matter about the errors and results. Let’s just stay together, have a good time, smile, and play our volleyball.”
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.