JONAH SABETE SPREADS WINGS, LIFTS ANGELS PAST THUNDERBELLES

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — The Angels had divine assistance this time to extend the series.

After being sidelined for two months, Jonah Sabete returned to the court and brought life to the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.

Petro Gazz was stunned by ZUS in five sets in its first playoff clash, but the team bounced back stronger in Game 2 after winning via sweep, 25-19, 25-13, 28-26, on Saturday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Aside from reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Brooke Van Sickle leading the offense, Sabete played a crucial role in the extended third set after flying and firing on all angles to finish the match via sweep.

In her return, Sabete chipped in 11 points on nine attacks and two aces.

"Actually, it is not easy since there is still fear. When I play, of course, there is still fear whenever I move. There is still pain whenever I jump. But I always think about my teammates and the help that they need. Coach (Koji Tsuzurabara) said that there is no pressure, and thankfully, I think that I did my job today," Sabete told The Manila Times.

The 31-year-old hitter did not want to further specify her injury.

Sabete recalled her team's painful loss in Game 1 and expressed how badly she wanted to be on the court that time.

"I really want to wear my uniform. I want to change already. My what-ifs are: 'Maybe, if I am there, there's more assistance and there wouldn't be a Game 3.' But yeah, a game is a game. Maybe this is a call for us, since we had a lot of wins already," she said.

Sabete said in a light manner that maybe the Angels needed a little push from her.

"I want to give my all, and there is no tomorrow. That day everyone is off. Everyone is so stiff. Everyone is looking for that one person to step up since everyone is quiet... Maybe they needed a little push from the 'devil,'" she said while laughing.

Van Sickle added 17 points, while MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo added 11 points for Petro Gazz's victory.

ZUS only had Chinnie Arroyo, who scored in double-digits with her 10 points all on attacks.

Petro Gazz and ZUS will clash once more in the Game 3 of the quarterfinal series on Tuesday, March 25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

2025-03-23T00:21:59Z