Petro Gazz appeared to have rediscovered their form in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference after a sluggish start. With four straight victories propelling them into the knockout quarterfinals, the Angels seemed poised for a deep playoff run. But their resurgence came to a crashing halt on Tuesday evening when they faced a formidable Creamline Cool Smashers team, suffering a 23-25, 19-25, 18-25 defeat that ended their campaign.

For Wilma Salas, the Cuban import and the team’s standout player, the exit was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. As the defending champions, the expectation was high, and falling short in the quarterfinals was a tough blow. Despite the disappointment, Salas took the loss with a seasoned perspective shaped by a career that began in 2007.

“We always go to the court to try everything. Today, it didn’t happen but this is life. This is volleyball,” Salas reflected. Her words spoke to the unpredictability of the sport and the acceptance that comes with it. “I don’t feel bad because I know we tried really hard in every ball, in every point. So, I only want to say thank you to Petro Gazz, thank you to my team, thank you to all the girls,” she added, showing her gratitude for the support and effort of her teammates.

Petro Gazz’s journey to the quarterfinals was far from smooth. Their early struggles, including a 1-3 record, were exacerbated by a series of challenges off the court. A flu outbreak swept through the team, sidelining key players such as Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, and Remy Palma. Adding to their woes, MJ Phillips missed the entire conference due to a leg injury, and middle blocker KC Galdones was lost to an early injury, further depleting their roster.

Team captain Remy Palma acknowledged the obstacles the team faced. “Siguro nagkulang din talaga kami as a team, hindi rin namin na-maximize ‘yung mga dapat namin gawin. And hindi din pumabor ‘yung mga pagkakataon, but still we did try our best,” Palma said. She remained positive about the season, viewing it as another learning experience. “Babaunin ulit, another experience na naman, another opportunity. Hindi naman din po para mawalan ng gana sa ginagawa.”

The Reinforced Conference had been a stronghold for Petro Gazz in the past, with championships in the import-laden tournaments of 2019 and 2022. This season, however, proved to be a different challenge.

Looking forward, the Angels are setting their sights on the upcoming All-Filipino Conference. This new format will provide a fresh challenge for all teams, and Petro Gazz is gearing up for it with renewed focus. Veteran setter Chie Saet, who brings a wealth of experience to the team, stressed the importance of meticulous preparation.

“Dapat mas alagaan ‘yung sarili, mas magpakondisyon mabuti, araw-araw. Mas tibayan mo ‘yung utak mo, ‘yung loob mo, kasi ‘di mo masasabi kung ano ‘yung lalaruin ng bawat isa,” Saet advised. Her words reflect a commitment to bettering their approach and preparing thoroughly for the new season ahead.

As Petro Gazz reflects on their season and prepares for future challenges, the lessons learned from their Reinforced Conference run will undoubtedly shape their strategy moving forward.