PETRO Gazz team captain Remy Palma took a shock opening loss to Chinese Taipei’s Taipower — and the online backlash that came with it — in stride.
The Angels yielded to the Taiwan Enterprise Volleyball League silver medalist in four sets, 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, just eight days after clinching the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference crown in a three-game finals series versus Creamline.
They were able to make amends quick against Hong Kong’s Hip Hing in a 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 sweep to catch the last bus to the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League quarterfinals.
READ: Petro Gazz books AVC quarterfinals seat with sweep of Hip Hing
Social media went abuzz on Petro Gazz’ stunning defeat, with some people even questioning the legitimacy of their title win and the capabilities of their American guest import Gia Day despite back-to-back 18-point performances.
Being the brave and outspoken persona she’s always been, Palma couldn’t care less about what others have to say.
“‘Yung social media backlash, it’s always there eh. Whenever we win, whenever we lose, there’s always like comments about us, about our team, so regardless, we will stay as a team, we will play as a team,” said Palma.
“I hope they understand that this is a different stage because hindi naman din magaaksaya ng panahon ‘yung mga international team to visit and play in this Champions League kung hindi sila contender lahat.”
Palma then reiterated the team’s fighting mentality that has steered them all the way to championship glory in the PVL.
They may have tripped a few couple of times in their All-Filipino title quest, but in the end, the Angels were still the last ones standing.
“We will add that [to] our learning experience. Hindi naman kapag natalo ka, wala kang matutunan. Dapat ‘pag natalo ka, you acknowledge what happened and then you accept and move forward, ‘yun din naman ‘yun eh,” the Angels captain said.
“Sabi namin, ang Petro Gazz pag natalo, alam natin ‘yan magbo-bounce back ‘yan eh, so we did. We did it today and I’m proud of my team.
“We will continue play as a team and [show] what is the brand of Petro Gazz.”
All focus now shifts to its knockout quarterfinal showdown against China's Beijing BAIC Motor on Thursday, Apr. 24, 7 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
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