Preparation, not familiarity, key to Petro Gazz win over Choco Mucho–Almadro

Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro. Photo PVL

MANILA, Philippines – Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro had the last laugh against his former team Choco Mucho Thursday, but he said he is not thinking about the past and is just focusing on his own new squad.

Almadro chose to give full credit to the players for stunning the Flying Titans, under new coach Dante Alinsunurin, in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, to win their first in the 2023 All-Filipino Premier Volleyball League. Conference.

“The fans said [Choco Mucho] have a new system so I don’t know what they are doing. We just play the game, focus on what we have, our own skills and character,” said Almadro in Filipino. “Whatever is given to us, we are always ready.”

Almadro, who coached the Flying Titans when they joined the league in 2019 until he resigned in the middle of the Reinforced Conference last November to focus on Ateneo, insisted that familiarity is not the key to victory but his new players, led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

“I don’t think I understand the system. We just prepare. Because you prepare for every team, not just one. Choco is part of our journey. It’s one of the teams we have to beat because it’s hard to beat 0-2 [record]. We really need this win,” he said.

In her first women’s match against former boys volleyball rival coach Alinsunurin, Angels Almadro dominated the attack 48-29 as setter Deanna Wong was poor with just seven sets from 102 attempts.

Almadro said, his main contribution to Petro Gazz is his ability to motivate because his players already have skills and character.

“We have to create character because everything is there and the skills are there. I told them that they must want. Because at the end of the game, there must be someone who will go forward and show the will to win,” said Almadro. “From the previous match, they were waiting to see who they would send at the end. Today, they showed that whoever is willing to step up. You have to want it, you will get it.”

Almadro praised the veteran Pontillas, who contributed 19 points and led by example for his teammates.

“One of the best. An idol. You will not hear him speak but his actions speak for themselves. He is ready, he is ready,” he said. . I am happy and grateful to Nang.”

After securing his first win as coach of Petro Gazz, Almadro is looking to continue motivating his team as they resume their campaign against winless Cignal (0-2) on February 18 at the Philsports Arena.

Read Next

Don’t miss the latest news and information.

For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.