Petro Gazz Angels look to bounce back vs CMFC in Taiwan tilt

TAIPEI — The Petro Gazz Angels are looking to bounce back after their opening loss to Top Speed of Taiwan in the 2019 Taichung Bank International women’s volleyball tournament when they take on CMFC at 5 p.m. Monday at the Taipei gym.

Top Speed is one of Taiwan’s best women’s team in their top flight and the home side defeated the Angels in three sets, 25-17, 25-14, 25-20. The Angels’ Jonah Sabete was the only one who scored in double figures with 10 points. Top Speed got heavy scoring from Lin Shu Ho (17 points; she is described as the Alyssa Valdez of Taiwan) and Chen Yu Chen (10 points). 

According to Petro Gazz’ head of delegation, David Dichupa, “The girls were off. We were playing in a different venue and most — except for two in Stephanie Mercado and Chie Saet — players have never played outside the country. The day off will help us acclimatize to the different locale. The girls played using the latest ball from Mikasa, which is different from what we use back in the Philippines. It rotates differently and we’re getting used to it now.”

Added Angels head coach Arnold Laniog, “Mahirap talaga kapag hindi identified yung kalaban. Hindi natin alam yung strengths nila, yung weaknesses nila. But going into the game yesterday, kahit papaano na-research naman natin yung team (Top Speed); inalam na namin kung sino yung go-to guy nila but the coaches decided na i-shuffle yung tao kasi siguro para matago na rin for their upcoming games. And we also need to adjust at istep-up natin yung level natin sa serve and receive dahil kahapon talagang nahirapan tayo sa pasa.”

“The moment magserve yung good servers nila lumalayo yung score talaga. Napapasa naman natin pero once na mapasa lang natin na hindi maganda or hindi natin mabigay sa target sa setters, talagang nae-eliminate yung quick (hitters/plays) natin. Yung mga high-ball hitter natin had a difficult time rin yesterday na mag-convert into points kasi yung blocking ng kalaban at floor defense sobrang aggressive,” he added.

Middle hitter cherry Nunag tweaked her ankle during the Top Speed match, but is said to be ready for the game against CMFC.

CMFC has two tall middle blockers who stand over six-feet tall. However, CMFC lost in four sets to Thailand’s Under-23 team, which is ranked 20th in the world.

“For the CMFC game kailangan talaga nating i-level-up yung serve and receive. May mga rally naman tayo na once na maganda yung serve at service target napupush natin yung opponent to misreceive the ball; nakakarun naman tayo kahit papaano ng sunud-sunod na points,” said Laniog.